Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-3; Isaiah 41:10

Maisie had spent most of the evening texting one friend after another. “Can I text Bree real quick?” she asked when Mom told her to get ready for bed. “I want to see if she’s as nervous as I am about tryouts for the play.”

Mom shook her head. “You’ve already texted her tonight—and lots of other friends. It’s bedtime.”

“Okay, but can I please take two seconds to text Alynn—just to be sure she’ll save me a seat on the bus tomorrow?” Maisie begged.

“Bed!” Mom said firmly, holding out her hand for Maisie’s tablet.

Maisie sighed and handed her tablet over, then went to get ready. She was crawling into bed when Mom appeared in the doorway. “Want me to turn the light out?” Mom asked. “Have you prayed already?”

“Oh, I forgot!” Maisie sat up. “I really don’t have anything to say, except to ask God to take care of everyone, and He already knows that.”

Mom sat on the side of Maisie’s bed. “If I handed you your tablet and gave you permission to text Bree, would you have anything to say to her?”

“Of course! Can I text her?” asked Maisie eagerly.

“Friends tell each other about their interests and feelings, don’t they?” asked Mom. “They share their hopes and dreams and secrets. They talk about what they do for fun and what makes them afraid.”

“Yeah!” said Maisie, hoping to get her tablet back. “Friends need time to talk.”

“Well, is Jesus your friend?” Mom asked. Maisie nodded. “Then why don’t you have anything to tell Him? Don’t you think He wants to hear about what’s going on in your life too?” She kissed Maisie’s forehead. “Think about it,” she said, then turned out the light and left.

Maisie did think about it. She knew Mom was right and decided to talk to a friend she hadn’t been paying much attention to lately. Dear Jesus, she began. Thank You for loving me and for dying on the cross for my sins. Then she shared some of her fears and dreams with the Lord. When I think of You as my friend, Maisie prayed, I really do have lots of things to say. Thanks for listening and caring. Goodnight.

–Nance E. Keyes