Why So Snappy?

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 3:8-12

“Taelyn is so mean!” Niyah said as she came into the kitchen. “She’s been rude to me all week!” A tear slipped down her cheek as she slumped into a chair.

“I’m sorry,” said Mom. “What’s going on? Taelyn’s been a good friend for a long time.”

“I don’t know, but I’m getting sick of her snapping at me,” said Niyah. “If she doesn’t stop it, I’m going to—” The loud yipping of a dog sent Niyah and her mom running to the window. “It’s Baxter!” Niyah exclaimed. “It looks like his paw is caught between the boards of the deck!” They ran out the back door.

“I knew we should have fixed the gap between those boards,” Mom said as she knelt beside the whimpering dog. As she reached out to touch him, Baxter snapped at her hand. “It’s okay, Baxter,” she said softly. Once more she reached for him, and again Baxter snapped. After several attempts, Mom was able to pick up the little dog, and they took him to the vet.

When they got home, Dad was home too. “I’m so glad Baxter’s okay,” Niyah told her dad when she explained what had happened. “He has a sprain, but the vet said he’ll be fine. But he’s still kind of snappy.”

“That’s because he’s still hurting,” Dad told her. “He’ll need some extra love and care for a little while.”

Niyah nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of him!”

“Good,” said Dad. “By the way, I heard some sad news today. Taelyn’s mom works in our office, you know, and she told me she’s filing for a divorce. I thought you should know so you can pray for Taelyn and her family. She may need some extra love and care too.”

“Oh no!” Niyah took a deep breath. “I didn’t know that.”

“Sounds like Taelyn is hurting, just like Baxter,” said Mom. “No wonder she’s been snapping a lot lately.” Mom put an arm around Niyah. “It sounds like she needs someone to be there for her—someone who can remind her that Jesus loves her and will help her through this, even when she doesn’t act so nice.”

Niyah nodded. “I’ll take care of Taelyn too,” she said. “Even if she snaps at me!”

-Barbara J. Westberg

How About You?

Is there someone who’s been snapping at you? Have you thought about why they might be acting that way? It’s possible that person is hurting. They may be facing problems they don’t feel they can share with anyone. Such a person needs to know that Jesus cares about them and wants to help. So don’t snap back. Instead, try to ease the pain with your love, kindness, patience, and prayers.

Today’s Key Verse:
1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Be thoughtful of others