The Creative Carolers

Keys for Kids - daily devotions and Bible stories for kids

Bible Reading: Galatians 6:2-10

Brenda put down the birthday card she'd gotten from her relatives. "Bobby, when's the last time we saw Aunt Vicky and Uncle Al?"

Her brother shrugged. "It's been a long time. They're always too sick."

Just then Dad walked into the kitchen, wiping his hands on a rag.

"Hey, Dad," Bobby said. "Did you fix the go-cart yet?"

"Still working on it. But it's getting cold outside, so I wanted to get a warmer coat."

"Dad," Brenda said, "how come we never see Aunt Vicky and Uncle Al anymore?"

Dad grabbed a cookie and sat down. "Aunt Vicky has developed severe allergies to many foods, so it's hard to get together for dinner. And perfumes and other odors make her break out in a rash. And her immune system is really weak, so I'm afraid one of us might pass on a virus or something."

Bobby frowned. "It seems like trying to visit them is more trouble than it's worth." Brenda gave her brother a surprised look. "I mean, I want to see them and everything," Bobby said. "But it seems like anything we do will just create problems."

Dad thought for a moment. "You know how I've spent most of the day working on the go-cart?"

Bobby and Brenda nodded.

"This job should have taken an hour at the most, but things keep going wrong," said Dad. "I'm tempted to just throw the whole thing over the back fence into the field. I tell myself, 'It's not worth it! I could be playing golf or something.' Then I remember how much fun we had riding that old go-cart, and I figure it's worth all the trouble to fix it. It's kind of like that with visiting your aunt and uncle. It's getting harder and harder, but I know a visit would really encourage them. When we put in some creative effort to show someone we care, we're showing them the same kind of love Jesus shows us."

"What about going over to their house and caroling outside?" asked Brenda. "We'd keep far enough away so we wouldn't give Aunt Vicky our germs, but we'd still be able to cheer them up."

Dad liked that. "That's being creative, Brenda. I think they'd appreciate that a lot. Some things are worth the extra effort."

–Mike Dize

How About You?
Is there someone you know who is going through a tough time right now? Does a friend or family member need some encouragement? The Bible tells us to love and do good to others, even when it's not easy, so they can see the love of Jesus in us. Think of some creative ways you can show someone going through a hard time that you care about them and want to help.
Today's Key Verse:
But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing good. (CSB) (2 Thessalonians 3:13)
Today's Key Thought:
Find creative ways to help others