Daily Devotional for January 23, 2024
Ding Dong Ditch
“Where are you guys going?” asked Brooks when he saw his twin neighbors, Anthony and Luca, coming down the sidewalk.
Luca grinned. “Come on. You’ll see.”
Curious, Brooks walked along with them. He was surprised when they stopped in front of the home of their elderly neighbor, Mrs. Wilson. Luca pointed at some bushes on the side of the house. “Those will make a good hiding place.”
Anthony nodded and looked at Brooks. “We thought Mrs. Wilson might enjoy a few friendly rounds of Ding Dong Ditch. You know, when you ring someone’s doorbell and then run and hide.”
“I know what Ding Dong Ditch is,” said Brooks. “And Mrs. Wilson would definitely not enjoy it.”
“Aw, come on, it’s just a game. And even if she sees us, she doesn’t know who we are,” said Anthony. “Don’t be such a wimp!”
Anthony and Luca tiptoed up the porch steps. With Anthony close behind, Luca punched the bell. Then they ran for the bushes. Brooks quickly looked around and, seeing a newspaper lying on the sidewalk, picked it up and ran up the steps to the front door.
A moment later, the door swung open, and there stood Mrs. Wilson, squinting out of the dark hallway. “Yes?” she said in her quivering voice.
“Excuse me, Mrs. Wilson,” said Brooks, holding out the paper. “You didn’t pick up your newspaper this morning, so I thought I’d bring it to you.”
“Oh, thank you!” said Mrs. Wilson. “Aren’t you kind! You’re Brooks, aren’t you?” Brooks nodded, and Mrs. Wilson smiled. “Yes, I’ve seen you at church. You know, I sometimes get frustrated when this old body of mine makes it hard for me to do even simple things, but when I was having my quiet time with Jesus this morning, He reminded me that He still loves me and will always take care of me. And then He sent you to bring me my newspaper!”
Mrs. Wilson turned and saw the twins peeking out from behind the bushes. “Oh, and there’s Anthony and Luca Soldano. I know your parents!” The twins’ eyebrows shot up in alarm. “The next time I see them I’ll tell them how much I appreciate your thoughtfulness,” Mrs. Wilson said. “Kids aren’t always so nice around here, you know.”
“Yes, ma’am,” said Brooks, glancing over at Anthony and Luca. “We know.”
– Sam L. Sullivan
How about you?
Do you treat elderly people with respect? Old age comes with many hardships, but Jesus promises to love and care for us no matter how old we are. He wants you to be kind to elderly people. What can you do for elderly people you know? Maybe you can help them with chores or ask them to tell you about their lives. See how you can show them God’s love and remind them that He cares for them.
Thank you for reading this Keys for Kids devotional! Did you enjoy the story? Has Keys for Kids been an encouragement to you and your family? If so, would you please consider supporting Keys For Kids Ministries in our effort to continue to provide these daily devotionals to children around the world?