Deflated

Deflated

Bible Blast: Read Proverbs 18:1-4

Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. Proverbs 18:2

If you have a balloon that hasn’t been blown up, go ahead and get it. If you don’t have one, just imagine along with me. Give the balloon a good stretch or two and blow it up, but don’t tie it shut. Just hold it closed with your fingers. As I tell this story, I’m going to have you let air out of the balloon bit by bit.

Danika had to do a creative book report on the book she had just read about Pocahontas. She sat on the couch beside her mom, who was looking through a magazine.

“Mom, I have to do a book report on Pocahontas, but it has to be creative. Do you have any ideas?”

Her mom thought a bit. “Well, honey, you could—”

“I know! I could make a real Indian headdress like she would have worn!” Danika interrupted. “What do you think?” (Let some of the air out of that balloon.)

“That’s a fine idea, or why don’t—”

“Oh wait! I could show a clip from the Pocahontas movie and talk about how it was different from the book. Is that a good idea, Mom?” (Let some more air out of the balloon.)

Danika’s mom was quiet.

“Well, Mom. What do you think?” Danika asked.

Her mom just let out a big sigh and said, “Those are great ideas, honey.”

“Thanks, Mom! You were a big help!” (Let the rest of the air out of the balloon.)

Danika didn’t really want her mom’s help. She just wanted to be able to voice all the great ideas she had. If she had listened to her mom’s opinions, she may have discovered an even more incredible book report project idea, but she didn’t give her mom a chance to speak.

People who only want to tell everything they know and think are like that balloon. They’re so busy blowing out all of their “air” that they never receive anything back, and they just deflate.

Girl Gab: Pray that you would receive wisdom from others today.