Summary: Jacob's eyes widened as his father took a small, sharp scissors from their First Aid kit. "You're going to have to hold still, Jacob," said Dad. "I have to cut this loose skin away so the hook will come out." Jacob had been having a great time with his dad on a fishing trip until one of his fish hooks became lodged in his thumb. As Jacob drew back his hand, his father added, "I know this will hurt a bit, but you don't want to leave this hook in your hand, do you?" Jacob shook his head. "Okay, Dad," he said. Jacob squeezed his eyes shut and held his hand out. Dad worked carefully, and soon the hook was out. Then Dad washed and disinfected the cut and put a bandage on it. Jacob and his father talked together as they sat by their campfire that night. "Dad," said Jacob, "why do things have to hurt?" "Well, Son, we live in a fallen world--you know that," replied Dad. "When Adam and Eve sinned, pain became a part of our lives. Even good things can hurt." After adding a log to the fire, Dad asked, "Can you think of something that was painful but good for you?" "I was already thinking of something," Jacob said. "Taking that hook out of my thumb!" Dad nodded. "It hurt, but it helped you," he said. "And how about the time your friend Mike admitted to Mr. Peterson that you boys were cutting through his backyard even after I had warned you about it?" "Mike wasn't helping me! You grounded me for a week--and made me pull weeds for Mr. Peterson." Jacob frowned. "Besides, we weren't bothering anything by going that way. I'm glad Mike got himself in trouble too. I'm still mad at him." "But he did the right thing. Mike helped you obey those in authority over you, which includes me and Mr. Peterson," said Dad. "I'd say that makes him a pretty good friend to have." "But he . . ." Jacob looked at the bandage on his hand. The thumb was still sore, but it felt much better since the hook was out. "Yeah, Mike's a good friend," he admitted. "I guess I should apologize for getting so mad at him." "Good idea," said Dad. "Now, how about some toasted marshmallows?" How About You? Have you felt wounded by what someone has done?Did a friend point out that you were doing something wrong? Did a teacher scold because you neglected homework? Did your parents make rules you don't like?When you're criticized or disciplined, think about whether you should change your actions or attitudes. If you should, take the necessary steps to do so even if it hurts at first. Thank God for faithful, true friends who want to help you become the best you can be. Today's Key Verse: Faithful are the wounds of a friend. (Proverbs 27:6) Today's Key Thought: Thank God for helpful hurts
