Help New People Feel At Home

Keys for Kids Daily Devotional for December 9, 2007
TITLE: Merging Traffic
SCRIPTURE: Luke 6:31-36
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
"I guess Jana's okay, but . . . well, having a new kid join your class in the middle of the year just spoils everything," complained Haley when her mother picked her up at school one day. "I mean . . . we're in the middle of our science projects, and we have our skit for parents' night almost all practiced. We have nice, even teams in gym, too. And now somebody new comes along, and we have to make room for her."
"Surely adding one to your group can't be that bad," replied Mom as she slowed the car to turn onto the ramp leading to the highway.
Haley shrugged. "Well, it's not fun," she insisted. She braced herself as her mother suddenly hit the brakes, almost bringing the car to a stop. "It's nothing personal, Mom. It's just that we're already set with our groups."
Haley frowned as the cars on the highway roared by in the lane needed by those entering the highway from the ramp. "Hey!" she exclaimed as her mother came to a complete stop. "What's with all those drivers today? They're not moving over to let us in. We shouldn't have to stop! Don't they know they're supposed to let us merge into the lane with them?"
"They should know," said Mom. "There's a sign on the highway back there to tell them, but I guess they're busy doing their own thing and don't want to bother with anyone new in their lane." She glanced at Haley. "I imagine you can understand that," added Mom. "I'm sure it's nothing personal."
Haley blushed. She understood that her mom was comparing her attitude to that of the drivers who weren't letting them into the lane. Haley didn't know what to say.
Finally, they were able to move out onto the highway. "It doesn't feel very good when no one wants to make room for you, does it?" asked Mom.
Haley didn't answer immediately. "I guess we need some 'merging traffic' signs in our class," she said at last. "Maybe I should be the first one to slow down and let Jana in."
MEMORY VERSE: Just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. Luke 6:31
HOW ABOUT YOU? Is there a new person in your school or neighborhood? Has anyone "let him in"? Is there someone who doesn't seem to have any friends? Perhaps God wants you to be the one to make room for the newcomer or the lonely person. Think about how you would feel in his or her place. God says you should treat that person the way you'd want to be treated. Will you do that for His sake?
THE KEY: Help new people feel at home