No Stepmother Card (Part 1)

Bible Reading: Romans 8:28–31

“Can we please skip church tomorrow?” Tegan asked her dad. “It’s Mother’s Day, and I don’t have a mother anymore. Just a stepmother.” Tegan was not happy about her father’s new wife, and she rarely hid those feelings.

“I wish you would try to accept your stepmother for who she is, Tegan,” Dad said. “I’m sure you’ll agree that she’s kind and loving.”

“I never said she wasn’t nice,” Tegan replied. “It’s just that she isn’t my mother, so I don’t know why I have to treat her like she is.”

“No, she’s not your mother,” Dad agreed, “and you don’t have to treat her like she is. Your mother is with Jesus now. We certainly miss her, but we have to accept that she’s gone, even though it’s painful. And we can trust Jesus to help us through that pain. Tina is a different person, but she cares about you and deserves your respect. God has brought her into our family, and we need to trust that He’s done that for good because He loves us.”

“But . . . but tomorrow is Mother’s Day!” Tegan cried, choking back tears. “Like I said, I don’t have a mother, and I don’t want to pretend I do.”

“I understand,” Dad said. “Tomorrow is going to be a difficult day for all of us—including Tina.”

“Difficult for Tina!” Tegan snapped. “Why should it be a hard day for her? You and Ezra both act like you’ve forgotten all about Mom. He even bought Tina a Mother’s Day card!”

“Wouldn’t it be difficult for you if you knew someone refused to accept you as part of your own family?” asked Dad. “Maybe you should give her a card too.”

Tegan shook her head. “I doubt they make stepmother cards,” she said sarcastically.

Just then Tina appeared in the doorway. She was smiling and carrying a small bouquet of flowers. “Look what was just delivered,” she said happily. “Isn’t it lovely? It’s signed, ‘Your new family.’ Thank you so much. I love it!”

Tegan could see that the card was signed in Ezra’s handwriting. She bit her lip and slipped out the door. Anger built up inside of her, but she also knew Dad was right. She’s not my real mother, but she is part of our family now, she admitted to herself. I guess I need to remember that I’m part of God’s family and ask Him to help me accept that. •Ruth I. Jay

How About You?

Is there someone you’re not accepting? Perhaps a stepmother or a stepfather? Or maybe a step-grandparent or stepbrother or sister? God loves and accepts you, and He has brought that person into your life for a purpose. Ask Him to help you see the good in the situation. Accept it, and learn to get along with whoever God has put in your life.

Today’s Key Verse:
Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God. (CSB)

Today’s Key Thought:

Accept what God allows