Summary: "No-no, Janey," said Beth, who was baby-sitting her little brother and sister. "It's not nice to grab things from other people." Three-year-old Jane had pulled a stuffed monkey away from her baby brother, causing him to cry. The little girl clutched the cuddly toy that had been in one-year-old Toby's arms. "Janey wants it," she said stubbornly as she tried to hide it behind her. "You'll have to wait until Toby is through playing with it," replied Beth. She gently pried the monkey out of her sister's chubby fingers and returned it to Toby. "Let's play with these blocks. Okay, honey?" Still pouting, Janey nodded. They stacked blocks up high, but Toby promptly grabbed some of them. This time Beth had to mildly scold the little boy. "Mom," said Beth when her mother came into the room, "Janey and Toby are always taking each other's things. What one has, the other one wants." "I know." Mom nodded. "We have to teach them to not be greedy." A few days later, Beth went straight to her room after school. BANG! She slammed her bedroom door, causing the windows to rattle. She angrily kicked a stuffed bear that was on the floor. THUD! It bounced off the wall. Mom knocked, then opened the door. "Beth!" she exclaimed. "What's going on?" Beth scowled. "It's Sara. She was voted in as class president today. You should see her strutting down the hall at school!" Beth's face puckered. "I wanted to win so bad!" "I'm sorry you didn't win," said Mom, "but being bitter will only make you feel worse." "Oh-h-h!" A loud wail echoed through the hall as Toby toddled into the room, clutching a storybook. "Toby took my book!" cried Janey, following close behind him. "Give it to me, Toby!" After settling the problem, Mom shook her head. "Babies tend to want what someone else has," she said. "That's coveting. They need to learn to be content with what they have." She solemnly looked at Beth. "Are you a baby, Beth?" Beth glanced at Mom in surprise. "Me!" exclaimed Beth. "What do you mean? I . . . Oh!" She sighed. "Okay," she said. "You're saying I need to be content and not be jealous of Sara or pout because I didn't win. I get the point." How About You? Are you angry because someone else got picked for a part you wanted? Are you crabby because all your friends got new outfits but Mom said you didn't need one? Maybe you didn't make the basketball team, but your best friend did. Are you learning to put away the frown, wear a smile, and be thankful for what you have? Being happy with your circumstances may not come easily, but you need to learn to be content with what God gives you. Thank Him today for His gifts to you. Today's Key Verse: Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. (Hebrews 13:5) Today's Key Thought: Don't covet what others have
