Summary: We gotta be the first ones into Grasswater Cove so we can get Old Mossback, Isaac thought as he snuggled down into his bed, almost too excited to sleep. He could hardly wait to go on the early morning fishing trip he and Dad had planned. The next thing Isaac knew, a hand was tapping him. "Isaac, wake up!" Dad whispered. "Time to go after Old Mossback." Isaac jumped out of bed, dressed quickly, and soon they were on their way in the pickup truck. In his mind, Isaac could see Grasswater Cove. Why, he could almost feel his line go tight with a solid, hard strike, and then he'd . . . . "What's that?" Dad's voice broke into his thoughts. The pickup's headlights lit up a car lying on its side just off the road. Dad stepped on the brakes, pulled over, and stopped. "Wait here," he ordered as he jumped out and ran over to the car. Soon Dad returned, bringing with him a man who was limping. "This is my son Isaac," Dad told the man, "and Isaac, this is Mr. Paulson. His ankle needs attention. He's from Rockville, so we'll take him back there to get help." "I hate to be so much trouble," Mr. Paulson protested. "I could call for help on my cell phone." "No problem," said Dad. "We're always glad to help out a neighbor." Isaac's heart sank a little as they headed away from the lake. Good-bye, Old Mossback, he thought sadly--but he began to feel better about the delay as he listened to Dad's answer when Mr. Paulson asked why Dad had called him their neighbor. "The Bible teaches that a neighbor isn't only a person living near us," Dad was saying. "It can be anyone we meet. God wants us to act in a good, neighborly way whenever we see someone who needs help." Mr. Paulson listened intently as Dad continued to talk about God and the Lord Jesus. By the time Mr. Paulson was taken care of, it was quite late and the fishing had to be postponed. "I'm sorry about that," Dad told Isaac, "but I think Old Mossback will wait for us another day." Isaac was disappointed, but then he remembered how their "neighbor" had listened while Dad talked about the Lord. Mr. Paulson's more important than any old fish, anyway, Isaac decided. We'll get Old Mossback another time. How About You? Did you know that anyone at all can be considered your neighbor? What kind of neighbor are you?Are you one who is ready to help whenever it's needed?Helping others isn't always easy, and it may even cost you something. But when you act in a neighborly way for Jesus' sake, you'll find that it's worth whatever it costs. It may even be the thing that causes someone to become interested in knowing the Lord. Today's Key Verse: You shall love . . . your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27) Today's Key Thought: Be a good neighbor
