Uprooted

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Grady sighed as he looked at the unopened boxes stacked against the walls. “Tired of opening boxes?” his mom asked, stepping back from the picture she’d just hung up.

“No, it’s just that I…I wish we hadn’t moved,” said Grady glumly.

Mom put down the hammer. “I know it’s tough for you, but once we’re settled in, I’m sure you’ll enjoy living here.”

“I don’t know anyone here. I’m a stranger at school and church and…everywhere,” Grady said as Mom picked up a plant. The leaves of the plant rested on the edge of its pot. It reminded Grady of the way his dog’s ears flopped over the side of her water bowl when she drank. “That plant doesn’t look happy either,” he said. “It looks droopy.”

“You’re right—it does. It’s an African violet, and it’s in a state of shock because it was uprooted—I repotted it a few days ago. But…” Mom smiled. “It has me to take care of it. It will soon take root in the new dirt and get the nourishment it needs. With time, it will even start to thrive. I’m sure you will too.”

“I don’t think I’m doing well at all,” Grady said.

“Being uprooted and making a new start is difficult,” said Mom. “But like my plant, you have someone looking after you—someone who does a better job of it than I ever could.”

Grady frowned. “You mean God, don’t you?”

Mom nodded. “Jesus brought you here, and He will take care of you. He’ll give you the strength you need to adjust to the move and meet new people.”

Grady shrugged. “I guess I’m still in the shocked stage.” He stood up and stretched. “Think I’ll take Bailey out for a run.”

As Grady walked with his dog, Bailey’s long velvety ears flapped with every step. She seemed as happy to be outside as Grady was. At a corner, a boy about Grady’s age was waiting for the traffic lights to turn. “Hey,” said Grady. “Is there a park around here?”

“Just a couple blocks away—I’ll show you,” answered the boy. A warm feeling grew inside Grady as he and the boy walked and talked. Jesus is taking care of me, he thought. He’s giving me some of that strength Mom talked about. -Carolyn L. Kridiotis

How About You?

Have you been uprooted? It can be difficult adjusting to a new situation, but Jesus promises to take care of you. Remember that He is with you as you meet new people in your neighborhood, attend a new class, or join a new sports team. Trust Him to give you courage and strength as you adjust to your new surroundings and to help you thrive in the new place He has planted you.

Today’s Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:11 He (God) has made everything beautiful in its time. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

God helps in times of change