NOVEMBER 17, 1 Corinthians 10:10

“George is such a pain,” complained Ben, as he placed the toy elephants side by side, in Noah’s Ark. “He’s always talking about how he played soccer in the school he used to go to. Who cares?”

Katie picked up the pig. “He can’t be worse than Anna,” she said. I don’t think she ever takes a bath and her hair looks like a broom! I’m going to ask my teacher if I can change places next week.” She set the pig down.

“Hey! You better not put your pig next to Mrs. Noah,” said Ben. “I’m sure she wouldn’t like the smell!” Katie giggled. “I wouldn’t have liked to be Mrs. Noah, living with a boat full of smelly, noisy animals! I bet they fought a lot too.”

“I’d like to think neither the Noah family nor the animals had fights,” said Mom. “They would have been so thankful to be in the ark, safe from the storm and flood,that they would rather put up with bad smells and loud noises.”

“I guess so,” agreed Katie. “I mean, what’s a bad smell, even pigs,
compared to being drowned?”

“But I guess you two would have grumbled and complained while inside the ark!” continued Mom.

“Mom!” cried Katie indignantly. “Why would you say that?”

“Well, listen to yourselves grumbling about your classmates,” said Mom. “I understand that George and Anna may be annoying at times, but from what you’ve told me before, I gather that they both come from homes where no one gives them much attention. Have you forgotten that you are blessed to be part of a Christian family and that you know the Lord Jesus? He provides a safe place from the storms of the world. Perhaps George and Anna don’t have that.”

Thought: Are you constantly annoyed with others? Do not be!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me not to murmur and complain about others. Instead, may I be a good testimony for You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.