JANUARY 15 Leviticus 19:32 

Greg was hiding in the bushes with his friends, Tom and Alan, but he knew he should not be there. They were in a neighbour’s garden. “Let’s get out of here before someone sees us,” he urged.

“We are just going to have some fun with old Mrs Wee,” said Tom. “You chicken?”

“No,” protested Greg, “but it is just not right to be mean to old folks.”

“Oh, come on,” coaxed Alan as he and Tom moved toward the porch steps.“What is the harm if we just ring the doorbell and then hide in these bushes and listen to Mrs Wee complain? She will never know who did it. Even if she sees us, she can’t see well enough to tell who we are.” Alan tiptoed up to the door with Tom close behind.

As Greg hesitated, Alan punched the bell. Then he and Tom headed for the bushes, but Greg bent down and picked up a newspaper from the sidewalk. He planted himself at the top of the steps and waited. A moment later, the door swung open, and there stood Mrs Wee.

“Excuse me, Mrs Wee,” said Greg, holding out the paper. “You didn’t pick up your newspaper this morning, so here it is.” “Thank you!” said Mrs Wee. “So kind of you! Do I know you?”

“I am Greg Lim, the boy who lives down the road.” He motioned to his friends, and they stepped hesitantly forward. “This is Tom Tan and Alan Arul,” added Greg. “We all live on this street.”

“Oh, yes. I know all of your parents,” replied Mrs Wee, “and I am going to tell them what nice boys they have. Some children aren’t nice to elderly people, you know.”

“Yes, Mrs Wee,” said Greg. “We know.” As he turned to go, he flashed a triumphant grin at his friends.

Thought: Do you treat elderly people with the respect God wants them to have?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for today’s lesson that I must be kind and gentle to old folks. They include my grandparents and others, and I know You love them a lot too. You have been very specific about the way You want them to be treated, so I pray I would be obedient to that. Help me to dare to be different from other kids who may be rude to old folks or parents. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.