Tumbling Towers

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Ephesians 4:2

“Your move, Tim,” said Mom after she placed a wooden tile atop the precarious stack.

Timothy picked a tile from the bottom of the tower and carefully wiggled it out. The stack swayed for a second before tumbling over, sending blocks all over the table.

Mom began gathering the wooden pieces scattered across the table into a pile. “I got a call today from Adam’s mom. She said Adam got in trouble today for fighting with a teacher. She told me your name came up once or twice. What happened?”

Timothy stooped down to grab a wooden tile beneath his chair. “I know Adam is my best friend, but he’s been so moody lately. Today he blew up when Mr. Green took his comic book. I told Adam he should put it away before Mr. Green saw him goofing off, but he didn’t listen. I think Mr. Green heard me, which is how he found out about the comic book in the first place. Adam was really mad at me.”

“How about one last round before we call it a night?” Mom asked, stacking the wooden tiles into a tower on top of the table. “It sounds like Adam is going through a rough time. When I talked to his mom, she told me that her divorce was just finalized yesterday.”

Timothy pulled a piece from the middle of the tower and moved it to the top. “I don’t know what to do for him. I don’t even know if he wants to be my friend anymore.”

“It sounds like he needs a friend now more than ever,” said Mom. “Adam’s situation is a lot like this game.” Mom picked up the piece that Timothy had just laid on top. “With everything he’s going through, Adam probably feels like someone is taking tiles from his tower. But a good friend who’s supportive and patient can put some stability back in his life.” She slowly put the tile back in its hole.

“So you’re saying I should be patient with Adam, even if he doesn’t like me right now?” asked Timothy.

“It isn’t just me who says it,” Mom said. “God is always patient with us, especially when we don’t deserve it. And He wants us to show love and patience to others.”

-Josh Mosey

How About You?

Are you patient and kind with your friends, even when they aren’t being very nice to you? Life can be hard, and sometimes it feels like someone is taking tiles from our towers. Those are the times when we need good friends the most. Jesus is that kind of friend—one who shows us patience and love when it seems like everything is tumbling down around us. Trust Him to help you be a good friend like Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Be patient with your friends