Summary: "What's Laura's problem?" asked Jacob as his sister left the room. "Is she sad about something?" "This is the day her friends leave for summer camp," said Mom with a sigh. "Why didn't she go, too?" Jacob wondered. "She always loves camp." "Yes, but the Lord provided a summer job for Laura. She felt she should take it and help with school expenses since Dad had to miss work so often this year on account of his health," Mom explained. "Then let's do something special so she won't feel so bad," suggested Jacob. He wrinkled his brow. "Let's have a party for her! A surprise family party." "Maybe a You're Special to Us party?" asked Mom. "All right. I'll fix her favorite dinner, and you can decorate the dining room." "What about a present?" asked Jacob. Mom thought for a minute. "Why don't we give her coupons--we'll call them Love Coupons. I'll make one with a promise to make her bed and clean her room every day this week so she can sleep later. You could wash the dishes when it's her turn." Jacob groaned. "Let's not get carried away," he protested. "We want to make her feel better, but there's a limit!" Mom laughed and gave Jacob a quick hug. "This is a lovely idea, Son. God says we should show love to one another, and you're doing that today." She went to the kitchen. "We'd better get busy. We have a lot to do." When Laura came home from work that afternoon, she stood in the doorway and stared. The table was set with the best china, and balloons hung from the light fixture. "Surprise!" exclaimed Jacob. "Is it somebody's birthday?" asked Laura. "I know it's not mine!" "Nope, but you're special," Jacob told her, "so we're having a party for you." After enjoying her favorite meal, Laura took the coupons family members had placed beside her plate. "I love all of you," she said after reading them. Glancing at the dirty dishes and at Jacob, she added. "Especially you tonight, little brother. It's my turn to wash dishes." She winked at him. "I hope you won't be getting wrinkled dishpan hands this week!" How About You? Is there someone among your family or friends who needs encouragement? As you remember what God did to show His great love for you, will you go out of your way to show love to a discouraged person? Maybe you can do more than your share of chores at home, help a friend with school work, mow a neighbor's lawn, or help in some other special way. They'll be pleased, and God will, too. You'll be surprised to find how much it lifts everyone's spirits--including your own! Today's Key Verse: Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:18) Today's Key Thought: Let your actions show love
