READ: MATTHEW 6:25-34; 1 PETER 5:7

What will you do after you graduate? If Destiny heard those words one more time…

She rubbed her forehead with tired fingertips. As the computer loaded yet another search for college options, Destiny groaned. If only she knew which way to choose.

“Dessi!” The back door slammed, and a set of pigtails peeked around the corner.

“What do you want, Laila?” Destiny said as she began clicking results.

“Come and swing,” Laila said. “You’ve been on there all day.”

Destiny paused, her fingers hovering above the keyboard. The thought of researching another college made her want to gag. She relented. “Let’s go.”

Both girls darted from the house, bursting out the door and into the warm sunshine.

Destiny followed Laila to the big oak tree with the homemade swing. Fresh air filled her lungs and washed the heated flush from her cheeks as she gave her little sister a shove. Laila soared into the air.

Just then, a flutter at the base of the tree caught Destiny’s eye. She glanced down to see a featherless baby bird huddled in the grass.

“Laila, look at this,” she said, crouching to take the tiny bird into her palm.

“Oh.” Laila stopped swinging. “Is it lost?”

Destiny spotted an empty nest in the branches above her. “Let’s get it home.” She slipped the baby bird into the pocket of her sweatshirt, then scrambled up the tree and placed the baby bird inside the nest.

“Right where it belongs,” said Destiny as they watched the mother bird arrive, caring for her baby in a flutter of wings.

If God cares for the birds, Destiny thought, He cares about what happens to me too. I’m not alone in all these decisions. Jesus will place me right where I belong. • Anita Seavey

• Can you think of a time you felt worried about your future? God cares about everything we’re going through, and He invites us to ask Him for wisdom (James 1:5; 3:13-18). Consider taking a moment to talk to God about anything that’s weighing on you today—and maybe go outside too!

• In addition to talking to God, who are trusted Christians in your life who can help you discern God’s guidance—people whose lives show the kind of wisdom described in James 3:13-18?

[Jesus said,] “Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?” Matthew 6:26 (CSB)