FEBRUARY 21, Numbers 21:5-7

“I sure wish Dad could come to my basketball game night,” complained Beng Teck to his older brother, Beng Lee. Beng Lee tried to cheer him up. “Mom and I have been there, Beng Teck, and you’ve been doing great!” “But it’s not the same,” Beng Teck replied. “Before you were in junior college, Dad came to all your games.” Just then Mother called them to dinner, and the discussion ended.

“Mmmmm – these dishes are delicious!” exclaimed Beng Lee. “Remember how often we wished for nice full meals when Dad was out of work?” “I sure do,” replied Mother, “and I’m glad you reminded me. I’ve been grumbling lately about Dad working the second shift, and I’m afraid I forgot that no work means potential problems.” She glanced at Beng Teck, but he refused to smile.

The next evening, the family lingered over dinner, glad to have Dad with them. “Since I’m only here on Saturday and Sunday evenings,” said Dad, “I really miss our family devotions. Beng Lee, you were going to choose something for tonight, weren’t you?” Beng Lee grinned as he replied, “I’ve got it all planned, Dad, and I think we all need it.” He took the Bible and read from the book of Exodus and the book of Numbers. Then he looked up and grinned. “Today is sort of an anniversary,” he announced. “Anybody know what for?” “I do,” responded Dad promptly. “It’s just three months ago that I got called back to work.”

“Oh, that’s right!” said Mom. “I remember how thrilled we were.” She paused, then exclaimed, “Oh, I see your point, Beng Lee! We’ve been like the Israelites. At first they were thrilled with manna, just like we were with Dad’s job. But then they began to loathe it. I’m afraid we did that, too, and I confess that I was probably the first to complain. I hope you’ll all forgive me. May God forgive us, too!”

Beng Teck smiled in spite of himself; he realised that Mom was right.

Thought: Is there some wonderful blessing in your life that you’ve begun to despise? Perhaps you prayed for a brother or sister, but now that you have one, you sometimes secretly wish you didn’t. Be careful; never despise God’s blessings.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me never to despise Thy blessings. Sometimes we have sinned in that aspect, so please forgive us. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.