Scared to sleep over

By Sara Hoagland Hunter,—USA

My best friend, Ruth, invited me.
So I said, “Yes, I'll come.”
I didn't dare say, “No, I'm scared.”
Because I'd sound too dumb.

Ruth says, “I'm so excited!”
I answer, “I am, too!”
But inside, I feel butterflies.
I'm not sure what to do.

Today, Mom helped me pack my bag.
Inside, she tucked a treat.
“Don't open it until tonight,” she said.
(I hope it's something sweet.)

This afternoon, at Ruth's house,
we invented a new dance.
We ate two bowls of popcorn
and stuck stickers on our pants.

After supper, we made sundaes.
I was fine until she said,
“We better put pajamas on.
It's time to go to bed.”

Tonight at Ruth's, I'm sniffling.
I hope my friend can't hear.
I'm hiding in the covers.
I wish my Mom were near.

Then suddenly I remember
she packed me something sweet.
I peek out of the blankets
and reach down for my treat.

I feel a piece of paper.
It's wrapped up in a bow.
By Ruth's nightlight, I read the words:
“Here's all you need to know:

God loves you. You could never be
away from God's great care.
God's with you even when I'm not.
God's with you everywhere.

Just think about God's love for you.
That's all you need to pray.
Right there you have a gift of love
God's given you today.”

I look at my friend Ruthie.
She says, “I'm glad you came.”
I squeeze her hand and whisper,
“And I feel just the same.”

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January 1, 2003

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