NOVEMBER 4, Psalm 119:16

“I wonder why Ethan hasn’t come – or called,” said Jake, as he looked at the model plane he was putting together. “Ethan was supposed to help me finish my plane this morning.” “Maybe his mom or dad needed him to help at home,” said Mom.

“Maybe,” Jake replied, “but Ethan said he’d call if he couldn’t come. It’s almost noon, and he still hasn’t shown up or called.” “Well, why don’t you see if he can come this afternoon instead?” suggested Mom. “Maybe that will work out better.”

“Okay. I’ll see,” said Jake. He put the model down and went to call Ethan from the phone in the kitchen. When Jake picked up the phone, he heard his sister’s voice as she talked with one of her friends. He scowled as he replaced the receiver. “Nicole’s on the phone, and she’s probably been talking all morning!” he exclaimed. “If Ethan’s been trying to call, he would be getting a busy signal!” Jake reached for the phone again. “I’m going to tell her to get off the line.”

“Hold on,” said Mom. “I’ll talk to her in a minute. I know Nicole had to make several calls today, so like you said, maybe Ethan couldn’t get through to you because the line was busy.”

Mom was thoughtful. “That busy signal reminds me of a question that was raised during my Bible Study group this week: How often do you think the Lord gets a busy signal when He wants to get through to us?’” Jake shrugged. “What does that mean?”

“Well, sometimes we don’t hear what God wants us to hear because we’re too busy,” explained Mom. “For example, women in my study group – including me – may think we have so much housework that we don’t have time to read the Bible or serve God in other ways.” Mom smiled at Jake. “What do kids like you do that sends a busy signal to God?”

“Well, ah… we have homework and music practice and football games,” replied Jake. “Oh! And model planes!” He grinned. “I’ll check and see when Ethan can come over, but I better learn my memory verse for Bible club before I finish working on my plane.”

Thought: Do you send God “busy signals”?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that You desire of me a two-way communication through Your Word and prayer. Please help me manage my daily activities so they don’t keep me from spending time with You. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.