Daily Devotional for August 6, 2019
The Dollhouse
“Look, Lucy,” said Mom. “A dollhouse! It’d be perfect for Eleanor.” Lucy frowned. The wooden dollhouse in the thrift shop window was not much to look at—nothing like the fancy painted ones she and her younger sister had seen online. Eleanor’s birthday was only a month away, and she wanted a dollhouse more than anything.
Mom headed for the shop door. “Let’s find out how much it costs.”
“But, Mom!” Lucy protested. “I’m not sure Eleanor will like—”
But there was no stopping Mom. She was already at the counter, chatting with the elderly woman who worked in the store. Lucy sighed. This was going to be a big birthday disaster.
A few nights later, Lucy found Mom at the kitchen table. In front of her stood the sorry-looking dollhouse and some little pots of paint. “What are you doing, Mom?” Lucy asked.
Mom smiled. “I think this dollhouse needs a makeover!” Very carefully, she began to apply pastel pink paint to the side of the house.
Lucy gasped. So this had been Mom’s plan all along!
Mom and Lucy secretly worked on the dollhouse whenever they could. Mom painted the walls and the roof, while Lucy concentrated on the pieces of furniture—tables and chairs, a set of bunk beds, even a tiny bathtub.
Little by little, the dollhouse was transformed. How different it looked with its pale pink walls and red roof tiles! Mom even managed to paint some rambling roses around the front door.
“I can’t believe that’s the same dollhouse!” said Dad one evening. “It looks as good as new!”
Mom nodded. “All it needed was some TLC—tender loving care. It’s what we all need, really. It’s how Jesus changes our hearts when we trust in Him.”
Dad chuckled. “I’m so glad God wasn’t looking for perfection when He chose me! He took an old wreck and made His home in it—and little by little, He’s transforming me!”
“Like a makeover!” said Lucy.
“Yes,” said Dad. He grinned and rubbed his bald head. “But in my case, only on the inside!” Angela Jelf
How about you?
What would you do if a very important person was coming to your house? Perhaps you’d clean up your bedroom or sweep the kitchen floor. In the Bible, Jesus is called Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” Jesus wants to make His home within each one of us! And the best news is, He doesn’t wait until we’re perfect to move in. Through His tender loving care, He transforms us into new people who love and obey Him.
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?