This Present Moment

Bible Reading: LUKE 12:22-31; EPHESIANS 4:6-7

Luke came home from basketball practice to find Dad in the kitchen making their supper—hot dogs with macaroni and cheese. “All right!” said Luke. “That’s my favorite meal. But I didn’t think Mom liked hot dogs.”

“She has a dinner to go to for work tonight, so we’re on our own.” Dad filled two plates with steaming food. “How was basketball practice?” he asked after they thanked God for the food.

“Great!” Luke said. “I always wanted to be on a team, and now I am. But…” Luke hesitated, and his face clouded. “The other day I heard Mom tell you her company might want her to transfer to a different city. What if that happens, Dad?”

“Don’t worry,” Dad replied. “I don’t think we’ll have to move.” He picked up his fork and began to eat, but Luke poked at his food and stared at his plate. “Hey! You said this was your favorite meal,” said Dad. “Don’t you like my cooking?”

“Yeah, but…you’re not really sure we won’t have to move, are you?”

“It’s not likely,” said Dad. When Luke continued to just push his food around, Dad shoved away from the table. “Let’s go to the grocery store.”

“Now? We’re still eating!” Luke objected.

“Yes, but we’ll want more later, and the store might run out of food. Aren’t you worried about that?” Luke stared at his dad. “You’re okay with enjoying this meal without worrying about the next one?” Dad asked.

“Of course I am.” Luke studied his father. “This isn’t about food, is it, Dad?”

Dad smiled. “Not really. It’s about enjoying what God has given us right now—friends, a good church, food and clothing, school, a place on the basketball team, and so on. Let’s thank God for our blessings and stop worrying about the future. You can relax and enjoy your supper because you know there will be more. And we can enjoy this present moment—whatever God has given us right now—because we belong to Jesus and know He’ll take care of us wherever we are.”

Luke grinned and took a bite of hot dog. “Sounds good to me, Dad. But maybe you’d better worry about whether I’m going to leave you any hot dogs. I’m pretty hungry!” KAREN E. COGAN

How About You?

Are you worried about something that might happen? Are you afraid someone you love will get hurt or a good friend will move away? Instead of worrying about what might happen, trust Jesus with the future so you can enjoy the blessings He’s given you right now. He loves you and promises to be with you and take care of you—now and forever.

Today’s Key Verse:
PHILIPPIANS 4:6 DON’T WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING, BUT PRAY AND ASK GOD FOR EVERYTHING YOU NEED, ALWAYS GIVING THANKS FOR WHAT YOU HAVE. (ERV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Trust God and don’t worry