Keep Your Eyes Open

Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

“Mom! Maddy and I have five classes together!” Lizzie squealed, running into the kitchen. She dropped her schoolbag on the floor as she hugged her mom.

“I guess you had a good first day of middle school, then?” Lizzie’s mom said, laughing.

Lizzie nodded. Her new school was much bigger than her elementary school had been. She’d prayed to have homeroom and lunch with some of her friends. So having five of her seven classes with Maddy was beyond what she had hoped for.

“You know, honey,” Lizzie’s mom reminded her, “you and Maddy being together is wonderful, but don’t forget to invite other girls to join you for lunch. Don’t be so busy being happy together that you exclude others.”

Two girls Lizzie had seen that day popped into her mind right away. Now that she thought about it, both girls had looked nervous and lonely. “Thanks, Mom,” she said. “Tomorrow sounds like a great day to make some new friends. I’m going to call Maddy and let her know the plan.”

It’s always exciting to have one of your best friends in your classes and in your extracurricular activities, but sometimes it can be a bad thing. When we get distracted by hanging out only with the friends we already have, we might miss the fact that there are other girls who would love to be included. The Bible reminds us to be mindful of those around us—treating them as we would hope to be treated if the roles were reversed. If you are blessed with a good friend to hang out with, take time also to look for girls who are by themselves.

Things to Think About

• Remember a time when you didn’t have a friend in class, at camp, in dance, soccer, or church. What was it like to not know anyone else in the room?
• Remember a time when someone invited you to join their group. What did she say when she invited you? How did it make you feel?

DAILY ACT OF FRIENDSHIP

The next time you and your friend are in an activity or class together, agree ahead of time to include at least one other girl in your group.