Surprise Party

Bible Reading: 1 John 4:7-12

“What’s wrong with Adison?” asked Noah as his older sister left the room. “Is she sad about something?”

“This is the day her college friends leave on their mission trip,” said Mom.

“Why didn’t she go?” Noah asked. “She loves helping people.”

“Because she was offered a summer job, and she felt she should take it and work as much as she could to help with school expenses since Dad was laid off for several months this year,” Mom explained.

“Then let’s do something special for her so she won’t feel so bad,” suggested Noah. “I know—let’s have a party for her! A surprise family party.”

“A party letting her know she’s special to us?” asked Mom. “All right. I’ll fix her favorite dinner, and you can decorate the dining room.”

“What about a present?” asked Noah.

Mom thought for a moment. “Why don’t we give her coupons—we’ll call them love coupons. I’ll make one with a promise to make her bed and fix her breakfast every day this week so she can sleep later. You could wash the dishes when it’s her turn.”

Noah’s eyes widened. “Let’s not get carried away!” he said.

Mom laughed and gave Noah a quick hug. “This is a great idea, Noah. God says we should show love to one another because He loved us first, and you’re doing that today.” She went to the kitchen. “We’d better get busy. We have a lot to do.”

When Adison came home from work that afternoon, she stood in the doorway and stared. The table was set with the best dishes, and balloons hung from the light fixture. “Surprise!” exclaimed Noah.

“Is it somebody’s birthday?” asked Adison. “I know it’s not mine!”

“Nope, but you’re special,” Noah told her. “So we’re having a party for you.”

After enjoying her favorite meal, Adison took the coupons her family had placed beside her plate. “I love and appreciate all of you,” she said after reading them. She glanced at the dirty dishes and then tousled Noah’s hair. “I especially appreciate you tonight, little brother,” she said, holding up a coupon Noah had given her. “It’s my night to wash dishes!” -Barbara J. Westberg

How About You?

Is there someone you know who needs encouragement? God showed His great love for us by sending His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins, and He wants us to show others love through our actions too. What can you do to make someone feel loved and appreciated? Do more than your share of chores at home? Help a friend with schoolwork? Mow a neighbor’s lawn? Whatever it is, you’ll be showing them the love of Jesus.

Today’s Key Verse:
1 John 3:18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Let your actions show love