What’s Running Through Your Head?

"Turn on the radio, Dad," Kaelyn called from the back of the minivan.

"Yeah," said Brenner. "It's boring back here. We've been driving forever!"

Dad glanced at the twins in the rearview mirror. "Sorry, guys," he said. "I hate to ruin your fun, but I don't like your music."

Brenner snorted. "What fun? We're on a three-hour car trip in the middle of nowhere!"

"Hey, Brenner," whispered Kaelyn. "We can be our own radio." Brenner nodded, and Kaelyn launched into the latest hit. "Hey, you, standing under the lights; come on, we can dance all night…"

Brenner joined in the chorus. "Ooooh, it's a party…"

"No thanks," said Dad.

"Okay, how about this?" said Kaelyn. "Money, honey, it's the thing…"

"Fancy cars and diamond rings," sang Brenner.

"Do you two have all the popular songs memorized?" asked Dad.

"Yeah," said Kaelyn. "They run through my head practically all day long."

Dad looked back at the twins. "That reminds me of something I read in the Bible this morning. The apostle Paul tells Timothy how important it is for children to study and memorize the Word of God so you understand all that Jesus has done for you and deepen your faith in Him."

"We study the Bible in church," said Brenner.

"And during family devotions," added Kaelyn.

Dad grinned. "Okay, smarty-pants, how about a quiz? Finish this verse: ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and…'"

Kaelyn shot a look at Brenner, and Brenner shrugged.

"Try this one," said Dad. "‘God is our refuge and strength, a…'"

Brenner grimaced. "It looks like we've got some work to do."

"Reading the Bible and memorizing verses is a great way to keep God's truth and promises in our thoughts and help us remember who we are in Jesus," said Dad.

"Yeah," said Kaelyn. "And it'd give me a break from all those pop songs!"

Dad smiled. "I know just the verse to start with. ‘Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.'"

Kaelyn and Brenner laughed. "Dad!"

–Jennifer Dillard