Give It a Try

"Wanna come to church with me this week, Finn?" asked Tobin, who was at his cousin's house for the day. "We're studying the life of Jesus in my Sunday school class, and I think you'd really like it!""Nah," muttered Finn. "I don't like church.""How do you know?" asked Tobin. "You've never been there.""I just know I won't like it, that's all. Let's go see what's for dinner." Finn led the way to the kitchen, where he peered over his mother's shoulder. "Salmon patties, yum!"Tobin frowned, then felt embarrassed when he realized his aunt had noticed. "Don't you like salmon patties, Tobin?" Aunt Kim asked.Tobin shook his head. "No, not really.""Have you ever eaten one?" asked Aunt Kim. Again Tobin shook his head."Then how do you know you don't like them?" asked Finn.Tobin shrugged. "I just know, that's all."Finn rolled his eyes. "Salmon patties are so good! But hey, if you don't want any, I'll eat yours.""Before you do that, I think Tobin really should try one," said Aunt Kim."Yeah, give it a try," said Finn. "You might like it, Tobin."Tobin started to protest but then stopped abruptly. "Okay, you win," he said, grinning. "I'll try a salmon patty.""All right!" Finn gave him a fist bump. "I know you're gonna like it."When they sat down to dinner, Tobin hesitantly cut into his salmon patty. He put it in his mouth and chewed slowly. "Not bad," was his verdict. He eagerly ate the rest. "I think I'll have some more!" Aunt Kim smiled and passed him the patties."You know, this reminds me of a verse I learned at church," Tobin said as he helped himself to another patty. "It says, 'Taste and see that the Lord is good.' The Bible tells us that when we get to know Jesus, He'll show us how good He is and how much He loves us. That's why I love church--it's a place to learn more about Jesus with others who have seen His goodness and love too." He grinned at his cousin. "Well?"Finn looked at him thoughtfully. "Okay, I get what you're saying," he said. "Mom, can I go to church with Tobin this week? I want to give it a try." –Barbara J. Westberg