The Right Fit

Kara went into the den where her parents were working on a puzzle. "I just got a text from Cadence," she announced glumly. "She told me she has a job for the summer--babysitting the Preston kids two afternoons each week."Mom looked puzzled. "You don't sound very happy about it, but it seems like a good opportunity for Cadence.""But I'd heard that Mrs. Preston wanted somebody to babysit, and I was going to ask her about it this weekend. I should have told Cadence I wanted it." Kara paused, then her face brightened. "If I text her back and tell her how much I want the job, maybe she'll let me have it.""That wouldn't be fair to Cadence," said Mom. "Just be happy for your friend and pray about finding some other summer job.""But why wouldn't God want me to have this job?" asked Kara. Then she glanced at her dad curiously. He had picked up a puzzle piece and had gotten out his pocket knife. He seemed to be considering cutting the puzzle piece. "Dad, what are you doing?" Kara asked."I tried to fit this puzzle piece into this empty spot," Dad explained, pointing to the puzzle. "It won't go in, but if I cut off this little bump, maybe I can make it fit.""Dad! You know that won't work. Besides, you need that piece someplace else in the puzzle."Mom laughed. "I think I know what your father is trying to say, Kara. That puzzle piece represents you.""Right," said Dad. "Trying to jam this piece into a place where it doesn't fit is like you trying to get your own way about that job. Even if you succeeded, it wouldn't be a good fit because you would have hurt Cadence in order to get what you wanted." Kara sighed. "I guess you're right."Dad smiled at her. "I don't know what God has planned for you this summer, but I know His plans for you always involve caring about other people the way Jesus cares for us. Trust Him to help you be patient as you wait for another job opportunity to come along that fits His plans for you.""Okay, I'll do that." Kara grinned. "Now let's figure out where that piece really goes!"-Sherry L. Kuyt