No Stepmother Card (Part 2)

Bible Reading: John 15:9–12, 16–17

Tegan went outside and called loudly for her brother. “What a really dumb idea,” she said, “sending flowers to Tina! She’s not our mom, and you didn’t have any right putting my name on that card.”

“I like her, and I thought she should get flowers for Mother’s Day, but I didn’t put your name on the card,” said Ezra. “I just wrote that it was from her new family.”

“Well, she thinks I’m in on it,” Tegan said.

“I wanted her to,” Ezra replied. “You should stop treating her like a servant. I . . . I heard her and Dad praying last night. She asked God to help you love her like she loves you. Trust Him to help you love Tina.”

Anger welled up in Tegan. “She just wants me to think of her as my mother,” she muttered. “Well, I don’t! She’s not my mother!”

“What’s your problem, anyway?” Ezra asked. “Before Dad got married, he asked us how we felt about it, remember? We both agreed that Tina was nice, and you even said it would be good to have someone around to help us with the cooking and all that.” He frowned. “And that’s how you treat her—like someone who’s been hired to clean and cook and do the laundry!”

“I do not,” Tegan said as she turned and went back inside. But she knew Ezra was right, and all afternoon it bothered her.

“I’m sorry, Lord,” she whispered at last. “I know you love me and promise to help me love others. Please help me show Your love to Tina. I don’t think I could ever call her Mom, but because You’ve given me Your Spirit, I know I can love her and act more like a . . . a Christian daughter.”

A little later, Tegan went to find her brother. “Here, Ezra,” she said, pulling some money from her pocket. “If the new family is going to send flowers, I’d better pitch in and pay my share.” Suddenly, Tegan felt good inside.

And the next day—Mother’s Day—she nudged her stepmom and gave her a genuine smile as she motioned for Tina to get up when the pastor asked all the mothers at the service to stand. Tina smiled broadly and stood. •Ruth I. Jay

How About You?

Are you following God’s commandment to love one another? That includes mothers, stepmothers, stepfathers, and a whole lot more. If you haven’t been doing that, confess your sin to Jesus. He will always forgive you and help you love others the way He loves you. On this Mother’s Day, show His love by making sure your mom or stepmom knows you love her and appreciate the sacrifices she makes for you.

Today’s Key Verse:
John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Love one another