Leaving Tracks

Bible Reading: Philippians 2:1-4

Miles stomped his feet to warm them while he waited at the edge of the woods for his grandpa and sister, Callie. When they caught up with him, Callie pointed. “What animal made these tracks, Grandpa?”

Grandpa crouched in the fresh snow to peer at the tracks. “Let’s see. Four toes and a heel. And see what a straight line he left? I’d say a fox was here. A fox’s narrow chest lets him place one paw right in front of the other, which is why there’s a single line of prints.”

They followed the trail a little ways, and Grandpa pointed out places where squirrels had played tag and rabbits had been hiding. “Wow, Grandpa!” Callie said. “You’re the best tracker in the whole world!”

Grandpa laughed. “All tracks tell a story,” he said.

When they got home, Miles sniffed the air. “Yum! Mom’s baking pizza, and it smells like it’s ready to eat!”

Callie put away her wooly coat and fuzzy mittens, but Miles dumped his coat on the floor, yanked off his boots, and turned toward the kitchen. Snow clung to the bottom of his pants in small clumps.

“Miles, I can always tell when you’ve been through a room,” Grandpa said, stopping him in the hall. “You leave tracks. And just like animal tracks, what you leave behind tells a story. What kind of story do you think people get from tracks like puddles and coats on the floor?”

Miles frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Well, the story it tells me is that you expect someone else to clean up your messes—and that seems pretty selfish, doesn’t it?”

Miles looked down at the puddles on the floor. “I guess.”

“Your actions leave tracks that tell a story,” said Grandpa. “As Christians, the story we want our actions to tell others is how much Jesus loves them. By acting in unselfish ways—like showing others respect by picking up your things—you point to Jesus and all the loving things He’s done for us.”

Miles nodded. “I’m sorry, Grandpa,” he said. “I’ll put away my things and wipe up the puddles on the floor right now.” He grinned. “From now on, you’re going to have a harder time telling where I’ve been!” – Lisa Nagel

How About You?

What kind of story do your tracks tell? Do your actions show others the kindness and love of Jesus—or that you’re only thinking of yourself? Jesus gives you the power to leave tracks that point others to Him—even in small ways, like cleaning up after yourself or not cutting in line. Trust Him to help you act in ways that show others His love and care for them.

Today’s Key Verse:
Titus 2:7 In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works.

Today’s Key Thought:

Your actions leave tracks