Leaving the Nest

Bible Reading: Psalm 121:1-2, 8

“I’m glad we live close to church,” Everly said as she bent and reached out with a mittened hand to pick up some of the snow. “It’s fun to walk.”

When they reached the church steps, Mom turned to Everly. “You’re getting older now,” she said. “You know the way to church, and you know the way to your Sunday school room too. I’m going to let you go to your room by yourself today while I take Titus to the nursery.”

Everly clutched Mom’s hand tightly and shook her head. “I want you to take me.”

“I’ll walk with you if you want me to, but learning to do things by yourself is part of growing up,” Mom said.

As they reached the top step, Mom pointed to a large black bird that was circling in the sky. “That bird wasn’t able to fly when he was born. His parents fed him in a nest. He grew little by little, and after a while, the mother bird knew he had enough feathers to fly a little by himself. She let him take short trips that she knew were safe. Finally, he could fly anywhere he needed to go.”

They went into the church and took off their coats. “Just like that mother bird, God wants His little birds to learn to fly too, and He helps them do that,” Mom told Everly. “Jesus will be with you as you grow and learn how to take care of yourself. He didn’t give you wings, but He gave you good, strong legs and a smart mind that will help you find your way as you trust in Him. How about I stand at the end of the hall and watch you go? God will go with you. What do you think?”

Everly thought about it. She did know the way to her room. She knew she could find it. She let go of Mom’s hand. “I can do it,” she said. “Jesus will help me.”

And He did. – Karen E. Cogan

How About You?

Have you learned to rely on God as you grow older? As you learn to do things by yourself, remember that Jesus is always with you. Look to Him for courage, wisdom, and guidance as you start doing more things on your own. Trust Him to help you as you grow and learn new things each day.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Jesus will help you