No Lemon Juice
NO LEMON JUICE
Read Exodus 16:6-12.
Julie felt grouchy as she sat on the couch at the home of her Sunday school teacher, Mrs. Watson. She didn’t really want to be on what she called “this stupid old Parents’ Night planning committee.” She had to miss her favorite TV program to attend this meeting. Maria and Daniel, the other committee members, seemed to be enjoying it, however—or at least they had been. They had made several suggestions, but Julie had just scowled at them. Now the others also seemed to be losing a lot of their enthusiasm.
“Julie,” said Mrs. Watson finally, “why don’t you help me prepare the snacks? Maria and Daniel, I like your ideas. Keep thinking.”
Glumly, Julie followed Mrs. Watson into the kitchen and arranged cookies on a plate while her teacher prepared hot chocolate. “Maybe I’ll add just a little lemon juice to this chocolate,” Mrs. Watson said.
“Lemon juice?” Julie was surprised. “That’ll make it sour!”
“You’re right, of course,” Mrs. Watson agreed. “And you know, Julie, just like a little lemon juice can ruin this hot chocolate, a bad attitude from one person can ruin the special night we’re planning. We want this to be a good Parents’ Night, especially since we know there will be unsaved dads and moms attending. Maria and Daniel have come up with some good ideas, and you’ve ‘soured’ them all.”
Julie stared at the floor. “I’m sorry,” she said at last. “I’ll apologize to Maria and Daniel. Oh, and Mrs. Watson?” she added.
“Yes, Julie?”
Julie grinned. “Please put the lemon juice away.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you a complainer? Do you often “get into moods” if things don’t go the way you want? You might be surprised how quickly your moods can spread. The Lord wants you to be joyful and get along with others.
TO MEMORIZE:
Do everything without complaining and arguing.
Philippians 2:14
DON’T BE A COMPLAINER.
From the book
