Middle School Blues

Read: Matthew 6:25-32

"It’s hard to believe you’re already old enough to be in middle school this year, Mateo,” Mom said as they drove home after shopping for school clothes.

“Don’t remind me,” Mateo said miserably. “I wish I could stay at my old school forever.”

“Why?” asked Mom.

“Last year there weren’t any older kids to pick on us,” replied Mateo. “I liked being one of the oldest kids in the school.”

“Sounds like you have the middle school blues before you even get there,” said Mom.

“Well, this year my class will be the youngest, so we’ll have to deal with all the older kids,” said Mateo.

Mom pointed to a little girl on a tricycle crossing the street with her mother. “Remember your tricycle?” she asked. “Why don’t you ride it anymore?”

“Ride my tricycle?” asked Mateo in surprise. “That would look weird!” He grinned at the thought. “I’m too big to ride that thing now.”

“Remember how you prayed every night for weeks that you could take the training wheels off your first two-wheel bike?” Mom asked as the traffic light turned green and they went through the busy intersection.

Mateo laughed. “I remember that. I didn’t want to be a baby forever.”

“It seems like you do now,” said Mom. “At least when it comes to school.”

Mateo frowned. “School is different.”

“Somewhat different,” Mom said as they turned into their driveway. “But in a way, going from your tricycle to a bike with training wheels to a bike without them is a lot like going from elementary to middle school to high school.”

Mateo sighed. “I guess.”

“And whenever you fell off your tricycle or bike, Dad and I were there to help,” Mom reminded him. “We’re still here to help you—we’ll support you and pray for you every day. And you should pray too! Give your worries to Jesus, and trust Him to help you deal with new situations. Even though middle school seems scary, He promises to be with you and use this new phase of your life to help you grow in your relationship with Him. Trust Him to help you one day at a time, and enjoy today!”

–Ruth McQuilkin

How about you? Do you worry about going to a new school or moving to a new place? Do you wonder how things will turn out even further down the road—like finding a job or getting married? It’s good to pray about future events in your life, but don’t worry about them. Trust Jesus to guide you through the years ahead and help you through whatever changes you face. Then enjoy life with Him today!

Today's Key Verse: Do not worry about tomorrow. (NKJV) Matthew 6:34

Today's Key Thought: Give worries to Jesus and enjoy today