Summary: Jesse sighed as he looked at the unopened boxes stacked against the living room walls. "Tired of opening boxes?" his mother asked, stepping back from the picture she'd just hung up. "No, it's just that I . . . I wish we hadn't moved," said Jesse glumly. Mom put down the hammer. "I know it's tough for you," she said, "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 at church and . . . and everywhere," said Jesse as Mom picked up a plant. The leaves of the plant rested on the edge of its pot. It reminded Jesse of the way his dog's ears flopped over the side of his water bowl when he drank. "That plant doesn't look happy, either," he mumbled. "It looks droopy." "You're right; it does," agreed Mom. "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--to do very well. Like you." "I don't think I'm doing good at all," Jesse 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 thanI ever could." Jesse frowned. "You mean God, don't you?" Mom nodded. "Jesus can give you the courage and strength you need to get used to new places and new people. He'll help you adjust to the move." "Maybe, but I guess I'm still in the shocked stage," said Jesse. He stood up and stretched. "Think I'll take Bailey out for a run." As Jesse walked with his dog, Bailey's long velvety ears flapped with every step. He seemed as happy to be outdoors as Jesse was. At a corner, a boy about Jesse's age was waiting for the traffic lights to turn. "Hi," said Jesse. "Is there a park somewhere around here?" "Just a couple of blocks away--I'll show you," answered the boy. A warm feeling grew inside Jesse as the boys walked and talked. God is taking care of me, he thought. He's giving me some of that courage and help Mom talked about. How About You? Have you been uprooted so you need to adjust to a new situation? Are you shy about meeting new people in your neighborhood, attending a new class, or joining a new sports team? Ask the Lord to give you the courage to be friendly. Ask Him to help you adjust to your new surroundings. Trust Him and thank Him for opportunities to enjoy new people and new things--and that He has put something good into every situation. Today's Key Verse: He (God) has made everything beautiful in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Today's Key Thought: God helps in times of change
