Doing what you like

You babysit for a while, and then you're ready to leave again. But your parents say, "Set the table. It's time for dinner."

After you set the table and eat dinner, you think you'll go outside. Then your Dad says, "No, it's too dark. Play tomorrow."

You're so angry! When will you EVER get to do what you want?

Jesus would know exactly how you feel. In this week's Gospel (Mark 1:29-39), lots of people want something from Him, and He has to be patient and help them all.

Jesus went to Simon and Andrew's house, where their mother was sick. He took her hand, and she was well again. Then everyone in town who was sick came to Jesus, and He healed them all. Jesus went out alone to pray, but His followers told Him, "Everyone is looking for you." Jesus said, "Let's go to other towns, so I can teach there." He and His disciples traveled all over, and Jesus taught and healed the sick everywhere He went.

Jesus probably felt that way once in a while, too. He went from town to town doing what God the Father sent Him to do: making sick people better and teaching about God. But no matter how much He did, there were always more people wanting Him to help them!

When you're a kid, people can forget that you have stuff to do, just like grownups. That's why it's important to tell them. If you say to your Mom, "I set the table, but I really want to play outside for a while before dark," maybe she'll help you figure out a way to do that.

Jesus did the same thing. In the middle of helping people, He took some time to do what He wanted to: He went off by Himself to pray. Then He was ready to start over again!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, help me to say what I need, instead of just getting mad! Amen.