JUNE 3, Psalm 133:1

“Well, if that’s the way you’re going to be, I’ll just find someone else to do my science project with,” Jeff angrily told Nathan and Tim. He crossed his arms, and walked away.

At dinnertime, Jeff was still angry. “Nathan and Tim won’t listen to me,” he grumbled. “ They want to change the whole science project. I don’t care what they say; I like the way I planned it.”

Dad frowned. “Sounds like you’re having trouble flying in formation.”

“Huh?” grunted Jeff . “What are you talking about?” “Remember when we went to see the Airforce’s flying team perform at the air show last week?” asked Dad. Jeff nodded. “How far apart were those six jets?”

“ They were really close!” exclaimed Jeff . “I think the announcer said they sometimes were within three feet of each other.” His eyes sparkled as he remembered the thrill of watching the shiny blue and yellow jets.“When the leader moved in a certain direction, they all moved that way,” he added. “If they didn’t, they’d be in big trouble.”

“Yes, they would!” agreed Dad. “Flying in formation like that takes real teamwork! But it occurred to me that doing a good job on any group project requires teamwork-and that includes your science project. In a sense, you boys should be ‘ flying in formation’ as you work on that. To do a good job, you need to work together as a team.”

“But they won’t listen to me,” objected Jeff .

“Well, they should listen to your ideas,” said Dad, “but you should also listen to theirs. Have you done that? Have you considered which ideas would work the best?”

Jeff sighed. “I... I guess not,” he admitted. He hesitated. “I’d better call Tim and Nathan and see if they’ll still let me work with them,” he added.

Thought: Do you sometimes resent suggestions that are not your own ideas? Do you have a hard time working as part of a team? Remember that God wants Christians to work together with others in unity.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me not to always insist on having my own way. Give me the wisdom to share my ideas in a polite way, and also to listen to the suggestions of other people. This way, my friends and I can be happy playing or doing projects together! In Jesus’ name I pray – amen.