Article August 23, 1999 Issue

HOME ALONE-AND SAFE

Jewel Becker Simmons

Late one summer, as the school year approached, my husband and I discussed after-school care for our son, who was beginning the fifth grade. His elementary school was within walking distance, and he had asked to stay home on his own after school until we got home from work.

I wasn't convinced we were ready for this step. Would I be at work worrying about him all afternoon? Would he watch too much television? Yet his words about being "responsible enough" stood out. The idea came to me that if

Naturally, we talked about safety procedures and posted our work numbers. But, most important, we talked about the Bible's promise of protection. My own mother had shared this passage every morning as we left the house: "The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore" (Ps. 121:8). I taped this verse by the door, and throughout the day I prayed to understand more fully that our Father-Mother God is everyone's true provider and protector. This reassured me of my son's and my equality in God's eyes as His loved children.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Sowing and reaping: a good lesson for every life problem
August 23, 1999
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit