Summary: "Hi, Mrs. Brown." Jalyn greeted her next-door neighbor who had stepped out of her house as Jalyn was walking by. "Hi, Jalyn," said Mrs. Brown. "Can you do something for me? The after-school Bible club in my home starts the day after tomorrow, so I'd like these invitations passed out. Could you distribute some of them today?" "Sure," agreed Jalyn. "No problem." She took several of the invitations and went on to her house. "Mrs. Brown wants these passed out today because her Bible club starts soon," Jalyn told her mother as she put the invitations on a table. "I'm going to have a snack, and then I'll take them around the neighborhood for her." She helped herself to some crackers and a glass of milk, and then went outdoors. After supper, Jalyn did homework, watched a game show, and read a book. She completely forgot the promise she had made to Mrs. Brown. The next day, Jalyn's mother found the invitations. She was holding them in her hand when Jalyn burst into the house after school. Jalyn immediately began to tell Mom about a problem she had. "That Denise!" Jalyn exploded angrily. "She told me she'd return a book to the library for me, but she didn't do it! Now I have to pay a fine. I think Denise should . . ." Her voice trailed off when she saw what her mother was holding. "Oh, I meant to pass those out last night," Jalyn murmured, "but I . . . I just forgot." "I figured you had," said Mom. She shook her head. "You didn't feel very good about it when Denise broke her promise, did you? Do you think that's the way Mrs. Brown feels, too--or would if she could see these right now? And how about God?He does see them. What do you think He'd want you to do about this?" "I know they should have been passed out sooner, but I . . . I guess He'd still want me to do it," murmured Jalyn. "I'll pass them out right after my snack." Mom frowned. "I think the time to do it is before your snack," she said. "What do you think?" Solemnly, Jalyn nodded and reached for the invitations. "I'll do it now," she said. How About You? When you say you'll do something, do you do it? It's easy to make quick promises, but if you can't help someone or don't want to help, say so right away. Don't say you'll do something--causing someone to depend on you--and then fail to do it. Follow through on commitments you make. God always keeps His promises, and He wants you to keep yours, too. Today's Key Verse: Do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers. (3 John 1:5) Today's Key Thought: Do what you promise
