Worn-out Welcome
WORN-OUT WELCOME
Read Job 16:1-7.
“Hey, Holly, want to hang out today?” asked Karen.
Holly hesitated. “Well, I don’t know. I have a lot to do.”
“Aw, come on,” begged Karen. “What do you have to do? I could help you.”
Holly shook her head. “Not really. I have to practice the piano.”
“I could just come in and listen,” persisted Karen.
“Karen,” said Holly, “we were together last night after school and Monday night too. I like spending time with you, but I am busy.”
“Well, okay,” agreed Karen glumly.
Holly breathed a sigh of relief as she walked up the steps to the house. She found her mother in the kitchen starting supper. “Karen wanted to hang out again today, but I told her I had a lot of things to do. I hope she’s not mad.”
“Why would she be mad?” asked Mom. “You’ve been spending most afternoons with her lately.”
“I know,” sighed Holly. “I’m glad she’s my friend, but sometimes I like being alone. I like to read and draw and write in my journal.”
Mom nodded. “Did you know there’s a verse in the Bible about this?”
“What verse?” asked Holly in surprise.
“Proverbs 25:17 says, ‘Don’t visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome,’” quoted Mom. “See, Holly, the Lord who created friendship understands your problem. Friends do need to give each other time to develop different interests.”
“Thanks, Mom!” exclaimed Holly. “I feel better about it now! I wish Karen could understand that verse too.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you spend lots of time with only one friend? Reach out to other people and make new friends too. Spend time alone and do a creative project or read a book.
TO MEMORIZE:
Don’t visit your neighbors too often, or you will wear out your welcome.
Proverbs 25:17
DON’T BECOME A PEST.
From the book
