Summary: Austin jumped up when he heard his father call his name. "Sounds like my dad's ready to go, Rick," he said. The boys had played in Rick's room while their fathers talked out in the yard. Rick went outdoors with Austin. The night was black; no moon, no stars. "Hey . . . don't you have a flashlight?" asked Rick as their fathers bid each other goodbye. "You can borrow mine." "We won't need one--it's not very far to our house. We'll just cut across the field and through the woods," replied Austin as the boys went over to where the men were standing. "See you at school tomorrow." Rick and his dad turned to go into the house, and Austin and his father started home. It was a bit hard to see in the dark, but they quickly found the path the boys had worn through the woods. As they wound their way around the trees, suddenly . . . THUNK! "Owww!" Austin exclaimed. He rubbed his forehead. "I never even saw that branch!" As he spoke, he heard another sound . . . Zzzzkt! ZZZKttt! What's that? Austin wondered. He wasn't usually afraid in the dark, but these sounds seemed different . . . threatening even. I'm glad Dad's with me! Austin's eyes strained to see what was ahead. "Dark, isn't it?" observed Dad. "We should have brought a flashlight." "Yeah," agreed Austin. "Truth is, Rick offered me one, but I said we wouldn't need it." Dad laughed. "Oh, well," he said, "I'm sure we'll find our way without it. And maybe all this darkness around us tonight will renew our appreciation for the fact that we have the light of the world with us." "The light of the world?" asked Austin. "So . . . turn it on already." "Oh, it's on all right," said Dad. "The Bible says Jesus is the light of the world, remember? People are lost in the darkness of sin, but Jesus came to give God's light to all who will trust in Him." "And like me, people sure need light," added Austin, "even when they think they don't!" "Yes," agreed Dad. "I'm glad we both have Jesus to help us as we travel life's pathway. That's much more important than having a light on this path." How About You? Do you know Jesus, the light of the world? Perhaps you don't feel like you need Him, but making your way through life without Him is like walking in darkness. You may often not know where to turn or what to do. Jesus wants to help you. Trust Him as Savior, and then follow Him each day. You can reach a home in heaven only by receiving Him. (See the ABCs of Salvation at the end of this book.) Today's Key Verse: I (Jesus) am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness. (John 8:12) Today's Key Thought: Jesus is God's light
