Twin Day

God does not show favoritism.

“Mom, I don’t know who to ask to be my twin for Twin Day,” Bailee moaned after school one afternoon. “Olivia and Sydney already have their outfits planned, and Mara asked Whitney today because they were twins together last year.” As she finished listing all the girls who were already paired up with one another, she flopped on the couch with a huff.

Having switched from one school district to another this year, Bailee didn’t know many of her classmates yet. And with Homecoming Week falling during the first few weeks of the school year, she didn’t have much time to find a partner.

“Hmm,” her mom said thoughtfully, looking up at the ceiling as though she’d find inspiration there. “What if you pick someone you might not have thought about yet? Maybe someone you don’t sit with at lunch or someone with a quieter personality who wouldn’t naturally have the courage to ask anyone?”

Head whirling, Bailee thought and thought until finally she remembered a girl named Monica who lived down the street. The next day, Bailee gathered her courage and asked Monica to partner with her for Twin Day.

“Mom, she is so excited! No one has ever asked her before,” Bailee said when she came home.

Within twenty-four hours, Bailee’s attitude changed from feeling excluded to actively finding someone to include. Twin Day came and went, but Bailee and Monica’s friendship continued to grow.

The book of Romans reminds us that God doesn’t play favorites—he loves all of us equally. But when we are on the “inside” or already paired up with someone for an activity or group project, it can be hard to remember that someone else may feel left out. As friends and befrienders, let’s actively seek out those around us who are new, quiet, shy, or may have a hard time making friends. Our willingness to look beyond our immediate circle and invite others in not only shows that we care, it reflects the love Christ has for all people.

Things to Think About

• When is the last time you faced a challenge in friendship? What opportunities did that challenge create?
• What are some creative ways to include others when you face a situation like the one Bailee did?

DAILY ACT OF FRIENDSHIP

Ask God to show you someone outside your circles whom he wants you to include. Then make a plan to do so.