FEBRUARY 22, Mark 12:31 

A cold ache filled Kim’s heart as she got ready for school. “No one ever talks to me at school,” she told her parents that morning. “I hate it.” She sighed. “We’ve started school two months, and I still don’t have one friend – not one!”

Mother looked up with a smile. “Kim, a long time ago I learned a little poem. Listen,” she said. “I went looking for a friend, but not one could be found. I went out to be a friend, and friends were all around.”

Kim wiped her hands on a piece of tissue paper. “What does that mean?” she asked.

Mother explained gently. “It means that you shouldn’t think so much about finding a friend. Instead, look for someone who needs a friend and be a friend to that person.”

“ The Bible gives the same advice in Proverbs 18:24a,”said Dad,“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly.” Dad stood, ready to leave for work. “You’ve been feeling sorry for yourself, girl, and that’s understandable. But it’s time to think about others,” he said. “Now grab your bag. I’ll give you a ride to school.”

When they arrived at school, Dad encouraged her. “Do what God says Kim, be friendly today,” he urged. “ God’s word is always right.”

As Dad drove away, Kim noticed a girl going up the slope. That looks like the girl who sits across from me in class, thought Kim. What’s her name? Oh, yes – Nadia. I wonder where all her friends are. Maybe she doesn’t have any. Maybe...

“Nadia,” called Kim. “Wait a second. Can I walk with you?”

As Nadia looked up, a smile spread over her face. “You sure can, and you’re the first person who’s asked to walk with me.”

A warm feeling filled Kim, and it drove out the cold lonely ache. Dad’s right, she thought. God’s Word is always right.

Thought: Do you feel lonely? Left out? Do you always wait for others to speak to you first? Instead of waiting for someone to be a friend to you, do what God says – show love to others.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching me to reach out to others even as I hope others would reach out to me. May I really trust and obey You and Your Word. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.