In a “Hole” Lot of Trouble

Jeremy’s parents were building a bigger home for their family. It was on the next-door lot, and each afternoon on his way home from school, Jeremy stopped to see what the builders had done that day. He’d picture in his mind what his new home would look like and how he would fix up his own room.

One afternoon when Jeremy went there, the builders had already gone for the day. He scrambled over the just-begun walls and down into the unfinished basement.

This is going to be a great home, he thought, walking from wall to wall, seeing how big it was going to be. Then he peered up at the holes where the windows would be. He could see the sky—and big gray clouds coming toward him very fast! I’d better get home before Mom starts to worry about me.

But when he turned to find his way out, he discovered that there were no stairs yet. What am I going to do now? he wondered. He tried grabbing at the walls and jumping as high as he could, but it didn’t work. The walls were too high, and there was nothing to hold onto.

He yelled at the top of his lungs, “Someone help me—I can’t get out!” But no one was close enough to hear. Although he yelled again and again, his words just echoed back.

Feeling afraid, Jeremy sat down in the dirt. Then he remembered what his mom and dad had taught him about how to talk to Heavenly Father and how to listen for His answer, Jeremy knelt near some of the builders’ supplies left on the floor. “Dear Heavenly Father,” he prayed, “I know that I’m supposed to thank thee first, but I’m scared. Please help me to get out of here. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”

As Jeremy stayed there with his eyes closed, listening, he thought about what he was kneeling next to: bricks! “Heavenly Father, thank you!” he shouted as he opened his eyes and jumped up. It didn’t take long for him to pile enough bricks firmly against the wall to climb up and over it.

Then he raced home to tell his mom what had happened. He knew that she would want to thank Heavenly Father too.