Daily Devotional for June 11, 2020
Take the Steps
Sabrina hauled the grocery bags up the two flights of stairs with a moan. “Every step gets harder!” she complained to no one in particular.
Her stepbrother, Justin, flew by her with his bags, taking two steps at a time. “Ha ha! Slow poke!” Sabrina glared at his back.
“Justin, kind words,” his mom reminded him as she unlocked the door to the apartment.
Brenda is nice enough, Sabrina thought. It could be worse.
Sabrina started unloading the fruit with a sigh. She looked up and saw Brenda staring at her with a smile. “Snack and chat?” she asked, handing her a bowl of walnuts and berries. Sabrina shrugged and sat down at the counter with Brenda.
“Sabrina, I can imagine how hard this is for you to adjust to living in two different places . . . not to mention going back and forth between the two. I know I’m not your mom, but I want you to know I love you like my own daughter— one I always wanted but never had.” Brenda winked.
“It’s so hard!” Sabrina blurted out. “I’m glad you’re nice and all, but every time I have to go back and forth between families and houses it feels like it takes all my energy.” Sabrina popped some berries in her mouth and chewed slowly.
“Kind of like how you were climbing those steps with all the groceries earlier, huh?” Brenda asked. “Having a stepfamily is hard work, just like climbing our apartment steps is hard work—especially when you have all those extra bags. But sometimes, the hard things can be the most rewarding. I’m willing to take the hard steps. We both know Jesus, and He promises to give us all we need to navigate the difficult things in this life and love others. We don’t have to do this alone.” Brenda gave Sabrina a squeeze. “With the help of Jesus, are you up for taking the steps with me to make our family stronger?”
Sabrina looked at Brenda with a twinkle in her eye. “Sure I am. Just as long as I don’t have to carry more than three bags at a time!” SAVANNAH COLEMAN
How about you?
Are you part of a blended family like Sabrina and Justin? Each family has its challenges, blended or not. Taking steps to improve your family relationships can be difficult, but you don’t have to do it on your own. If you know Jesus, He will give you the strength and help you need to strengthen your family relationships. Trust Him to help as you take steps toward others in love.
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?