Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 31:7-8; Joshua 1:5

"Mae, I'd like you to put Miles down for his nap today," said Mom. "I need to make an important phone call."

"Okay," said Mae, smiling at her little brother. "Nap time!" she announced to the energetic little boy. Laughing, Miles toddled away, wanting his sister to chase him. Mae caught him quickly. "Sleepy time, buddy," she said, taking him to his crib. She hoisted him over the side and laid him down. Little Miles scrambled around on the mattress, ignoring soft toys and stuffed animals. He settled down when Mae patted his back for a few moments. "Sweet dreams," she whispered, backing out of the room.

Just as she was about to shut the door, Miles started crying. "Blankie!" he sobbed. "Blankie!" He pulled himself up and began to shake the railing.

Mae frowned. Where did he leave his blanket? She checked the TV room. She dug through the toy box. She searched the hall closet. She looked under the dining room table and on the chair seats. Finally, she found the blanket in a lower cupboard in the kitchen.

As soon as Mae handed Miles his blanket, he stopped crying. He clutched the blanket in his arms and dropped to the mattress. After a few shaky breaths, he smiled contentedly at Mae. "Sweet dreams," she said again as she left.

"Miles had to have his 'blankie' before he'd go to sleep," Mae told her mother later. "Good thing I found it or he never would have settled down."

"That blanket is his security," said Mom. "I guess we all need security--even grown-ups! We need to feel comfortable and cared for and safe. What's your security, Mae?"

"My security?" asked Mae in surprise. She shrugged. "You, I guess. I know you're here to help me if I need you." She grinned. "You're my 'blankie.' What's yours?"

"Well, we all find some security in family and friends, but a Christian's real security is in Jesus and His love and forgiveness. He cares for us, and He's always available. He saved us and promises to do what's best for us, even when we go through difficult times."

Mae nodded thoughtfully. "He's better than a blanket any day."

–Mary M. Ihlenfeldt