AUGUST 2

Psalm 19:14

“Did you see the clothes Ron was wearing today?” asked Zoe, holding the phone close to her mouth. “He looked like a real nerd.”

“His whole family is like that,” replied Whitney. The girls giggled. “What about Kelly-that new girl in our class?” continued Bee Lin. “Did you notice that when she laughs she sounds like she is snorting? She sounds like a pig.”

“Gross,” said Zoe with a laugh. “Maybe she grew up on a pig farm.” Just then they heard a clicking sound on the phone. “What was that?” asked Bee Lin. “Is someone else on the line? Your brother, maybe?” “No, it’s me, girls.” Zoe’s mother was speaking. “I’m sorry to interrupt you. I was going to make a call and I didn’t realise you were using the phone. I’ll wait until you’re finished.” Zoe heard the click as Mom hung up. “What were we saying?” asked Whitney. “I don’t remember, but what if my mom heard us talking about Ron and Kelly?” gasped Zoe. “What if she heard some of the stuff we said?”

“She didn’t,” said Bee Lin confidently. “We would have known if she were listening.” “Yeah. Well, I better go anyway,” replied Zoe, so the girls said goodbye. “Mom, we’re off the phone,” Zoe informed her mother after they had hung up. She hesitated. “Did you hear what we were saying when you picked up the phone?” she asked.

“No. I didn’t listen,” replied Mom. “So you didn’t hear the things we were saying?” repeated Zoe. “I mean… well, we were just… just kind of joking about some stuff and some of the kids at school.”

Mom raised her brows. “I didn’t hear you,” she said, “but does the fact that you’re worried about it mean you were saying things that shouldn’t be said? You need to remember that even though I didn’t hear what you said, the Lord did. He always hears all you say.” Zoe was silent as Mom picked up the phone and began dialling. Then…“Mom,” said Zoe hesitantly, “when you finish your call, I need to make one, too. I want to call Bee Lin and tell her I’m sorry about some things I said. Okay?”

“Okay,” said Mom. “Definitely okay!”

Thought: May what we think and say be acceptable to God!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for I sin often in thoughts and words. Help me not to bring shame to Thy Name. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.