Summary: Abe groaned as he picked himself up from the snow. He was learning to ski, and his feet were in great big boots that were locked onto two long sticks of fiberglass. He had saved his money and begged to go along with his big brother. "Sure, you can come if it's okay with Mom and Dad," Max had said with a smile, "but I'm warning you--it isn't as easy as it looks." It wasn't long until Abe found out that Max was right. "I'll never learn how to ski!" Abe exclaimed in disgust. "I just fell for the umpteenth time." Max grinned. "Tell you what," he said, "your lift ticket includes lessons for beginners." He pointed to a group of kids at the top of a small hill. "Looks like they're ready to start the class. Go join them and get some pointers." Abe joined the group, and the ski instructor gathered the beginning skiers around him. He taught them some of the basic moves. Then came the first few trips down the Bunny Hill, which was the easy hill. The instructor held a long pole in front of the beginners. They could hold on until they felt a bit steadier. "That was fun!" Abe exclaimed when he rejoined Max. "I think I'm ready for the big hill." Just then he lost his balance and fell sideways into the snow. "Oops! I guess I'd better practice some more, but I'll be ready soon," Abe declared. As they headed home after a fun-filled day, Abe was excited. "I wish we could skip Bible Club tonight and keep on skiing," he said, "but I know Mom and Dad won't let us." "No," agreed Max, "and that's good because you know what? Learning to ski well is a little like learning to understand the Bible better. It all takes practice. The more you work at skiing, the better you can do it--and the more you read and study your Bible, the more you understand it." "I had a ski instructor," said Abe, "and I guess a Bible instructor is good, too." "Yes," agreed Max. "When you don't understand something, ask for help--from God, but also from Mom and Dad or Pastor Lee or some other Christian adult." Max grinned at his little brother. "And remember, Abe, don't expect miracles right away. Anything worthwhile takes time and effort." How About You? Do you have trouble understanding what the Bible says? Some of the stories are easy to read and understand. Other parts of the Bible are more difficult. So remember--it's best not to start your Bible reading on the biggest hills. You'll probably do better if you read familiar Bible stories and the Gospels before you read all the books of prophecy. Even when you find it hard to understand what you've read, don't give up. Remember that it takes practice, but it's worth it. Today's Key Verse: The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:130) Today's Key Thought: Practice Bible reading
