“Uh-oh!” Teo said. The three big bullies from sixth grade were about to spray paint on a wall.
“Uuuh, look, here comes the school’s best artist!” one jeered.
“Teo, can you paint a dinosaur?” the other mocked.
“Here,” one shoved the paint can toward Teo, “show your talent!”
Just then, a van stopped. Pearlie’s head popped out from the window. “Oh, Tey-oh! I brought you red apples from my auntie’s place!”
“Foreigner?” the bullies snickered.
“Coool! You’re with your friends,” Pearlie said, turning to the three boys. “Hi, I’m Puhlie! You know, a friend of Tey-oh is a friend of mine!” Her head went back into the van and when it popped out again, she handed the boys one red apple each!
“Imported!” the bullies whispered.
“Thank you, Pearlie!” Teo said.
Hearing that, the bullies said it, too, “Thank you, Pearlie.”
“You’re welcome! Tey-oh, want a ride home?”
“Oh, yes!” Teo said handing the boys the spray can and going up the van.
“How about you, guys? Need a ride?” Pearlie asked.
They shook their heads.
“Bye then, see you around!”
The three bullies threw away their paint can and agreed from now on, they’d be nice to little kids, because little kids were nice to them.
***
Prayer:
Lord, May I learn to love even those
who are not lovable. Amen.
***
Memory verse:
“I say to you who are listening to me, love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you.” Luke 6:27
“Quiet Time with Mateo – 52 Weekly Devotions for Children” is published by OMF Literature, Inc. and available at leading bookstores.