- Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
Once upon a time, in a cozy little house with red curtains, there lived a kindergartener named
Jabari. Jabari was a cheerful boy with medium-length dreadlocks and a pair of shiny glasses
that made him look extra smart. Around his neck, he wore a gold cross necklace that sparkled in
the sunlight, a gift from his grandma to remind him of God’s love.
Jabari also had a favorite white T-shirt with a blue heart on it. Inside the heart, in big, bold
letters, it said “Jesus.” He wore it every chance he got because it made him feel close to his
best friend in heaven.
One evening, after a long day of playing and learning at school, Jabari came home with a big
smile. He’d spent the day running through the front door, helping his friends, and even praying
over his lunch—a sandwich, a juice box, and a juicy orange. But tonight was special. As the
stars began to twinkle outside, Jabari’s mom called him to get ready for bed.
Jabari brushed his teeth, put on his pajamas, and climbed into his bed. But instead of lying down quietly, he stood up, looked at his soft blanket, and—BOING!—he started jumping on his
bed, higher and higher! His dreadlocks bounced, his glasses wiggled, and his gold cross swung back and forth. His mom peeked in and said, “Jabari, why are you jumping on your bed? It’s time to sleep!”
Jabari stopped, caught his breath, and grinned. “Mama,” he said, “I’m jumping because I’m so
happy! Today, I learned that Jesus loves me no matter what, and I just couldn’t keep it inside! My heart feels like it’s jumping too!”
His mom smiled and sat on the edge of his bed. “You know, Jabari,” she said, “the Bible says in Psalm 16:11 that being with God fills us with joy. When we know Jesus loves us, it’s okay to feel so happy that we want to jump and shout!”
Jabari nodded, his eyes wide behind his glasses. “So it’s like my shirt says—Jesus makes my heart happy?”
“Exactly,” his mom replied. “But let’s save the jumping for tomorrow, okay? Now it’s time to pray
and rest so you can have more happy days.
Jabari giggled, knelt by his bed, and prayed, “Dear Jesus, thank You for loving me. Help me
sleep peacefully so I can jump for You again tomorrow. Amen.” Then he snuggled under his
blanket, his gold cross resting on his chest, and drifted off to sleep with a smile.
When we know Jesus loves us, it fills our hearts with so much joy that we can’t help but show
it—whether it’s by jumping, helping others, or simply smiling. The Bible teaches us that God’s
love brings happiness (Psalm 16:11), and we can share that joy every day!
