FEBRUARY 5

MATTHEW 28:20

GOD ALWAYS WITH US!

"Megan, I’d like you to pat Matt for his nap today, please," said Mom.
"I need to make an important phone call."

"Okay," agreed Megan. "Nap time!" she announced to the energetic toddler. Laughing, Matt toddled away, wanting his sister to chase him. Megan caught him quickly. She took him to his crib, set him down, and raised the side. Little Matt scrambled around on the mattress, ignoring soft toys and stuffed animals. "Sweet dreams," Megan whispered, backing out of his room.

"Blankee!" Matt protested. "Blankee!"

As Megan peeked in, Matt pulled himself up and began to shake the rail. Megan frowned and shook her head. "Where did he leave his blanket?" she wondered. She checked the TV room. She dug through the toy box. She searched the hall. She looked under the dining table. Finally, she found the blanket in a lower cupboard in the kitchen.

As soon as Matt saw his "blankee," his crying stopped. He dropped to the mattress, clutching the blanket in his arms. After a few shaky breaths, he smiled contentedly at Megan. "Sweet dreams," Megan said again as she left.

"Matt had to have his ‘blankee’ before he settled down," Megan told her mother later. "Good thing I found it, or he never would have gone to sleep

"Mom nodded. " at blanket is his security," she said. "I guess we all need security – even grown-ups! What’s your security, Megan?"

Megan shrugged. "You, I guess," she said. "I know you’re here to help me if I need you." She grinned and added, "You’re my ‘blankee,’ I guess. What’s yours?"

Mom smiled. "Well, we all nd some security in family and friends – but a Christian’s real security is in God and in His love and forgiveness," she said. "He’s always available." She ru ed Megan’s hair. "Quite frankly, I don’t know how I’d manage without Him!"

Thought: Do you have a favorite blanket, stu ed animal, or toy? Do you have a special adult in your life to help you? Even parents can’t be with you all the time, but God can.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the comforting thought that You are with me twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week! May I learn to depend on Your unfailing love and presence in my life. In Jesus’ name – amen.