Repotted to Grow

Bible Reading: Psalm 139:7-12

Austin sighed as he dropped his backpack to the kitchen floor and sat down at the table. His family had moved recently, and he missed his old school and all the friends he’d left behind.

“Did you have a good day?” Mom asked cheerfully. Austin shook his head. “I know it’s hard for you, Austin,” Mom said. “Adjusting takes time, but soon you’ll be used to your new teacher, and you’ll make new friends. And don’t forget that one of your old friends is always with you. Jesus is just as close to you here as He was before. Trust Him—He can help you.”

“I guess,” said Austin, “but I don’t think I’ll ever like my new teacher as much as I liked Mr. Jackson. And the kids here play games I’ve never heard of!”

“Well, give your new school a chance,” said Mom. “You’ve only been there a couple of days.” She opened the patio door. “How about coming out and helping me fill the planters with the flowers I bought today?”

“Okay,” said Austin. They got to work, and when the planting was finished, Austin stood and admired the bright petunias and geraniums.

When Austin came home from school the next day, the plants were drooping. “Mom, what’s wrong with the flowers we planted?”

“Their roots had a bit of a shock when we repotted them,” said Mom, “but they’ll be all right. They’ll adjust, and soon they’ll look better than ever.” She smiled at Austin. “How was your day?”

“Well…” Austin paused as he recalled things that had happened that day—his teacher saying “Good job” when she handed back his math paper and two boys asking him to play with them at recess. Maybe it won’t be so bad here after all, he thought.

“You know what?” said Austin. “I think I’m kind of like those flowers. Moving here gave me a bit of a shock, but I’m adjusting. It’s not great yet, but maybe I’ll really like it here after a while.”

“Good,” said Mom. “Keep talking to Jesus about it and trusting Him to help you.” She smiled. “I can see that He’s helping you already.” – Carolyn E. Yost

How About You?

Has a recent move or some other change in your life left you feeling shocked and upset? It’s normal to feel sad or lonely when you leave behind what’s familiar for the new and unknown. Be patient and trust God to help you adjust to your new situation. He hasn’t changed, and He never will—He will always care for you and be with you, no matter what.

Today’s Key Verse:
Matthew 28:20 I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Today’s Key Thought:

Trust God in times of change