When Next Door Neighbor Knows Best

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) “Mama! Danny’s throwing rocks at that cat again!” Maya calls out, then says to her brother, “How come you keep throwing rocks at him? He’s not bothering anybody!” “Cause I hate cats! Next time, I’ll get my BB gun and that’ll take care of him!” says Danny. Mother answers from the doorway, “You shoot that cat and we’ll be in big trouble with Tribal Police! Now go get washed up for dinner!” The children scurry inside just as Miss Easter White, their next-door neighbor, comes over, leaning on her cane. “I want to talk to you for a minute, Thelma,” she says. “Come in,” she replies. “Have some dinner with us.” “Not today, thank you. I heard what’s happening between Danny and that cat. It’s good you told him what might happen if he shoots it.” “Absolutely! I told him I can’t have him getting us in trouble! His daddy should never have bought him that gun. Guns aren’t toys and should never have been made as toys!” Miss Easter answers softly, “But I never heard you tell him such talk is wrong. I have two cats of my own. Bring Danny over. He’ll see how they play with toys and can even open doors. Danny needs to see there’s more to cats than walking across his yard.” “I’ll ask him if he wants to go watch your kitties. No sense sending him over if he’s only gonna cause you problems.” Miss Easter smiles and replies, “When it’s between right and wrong, you ‘tell’ children, not ‘ask.’ I’ll look for him tomorrow—with ice cream for a treat!” “A righteous man regards the life of his animal” Proverbs 12:10a (NKJV). Our Father in heaven, grant that we, too, regard all that You have made as “very good.” – Kiki BelMonte-Schaller   Council Fire is a collaboration with Intertribal Life Ministries and Native Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The Council Fire Daily Devotional Book Set is available on the Intertribal Life Ministries website. Learn more about Council Fire at councilfire365.org