I Love You Best

Andrew squinted as bright sunshine streamed through his bedroom window. He reached for Oscar, his life-long Teddy bear. But Oscar wasn’t there. Andrew lifted his pillow, but still no Oscar. He wasn’t under the bed either. He jumped out of bed and raced down the stairs to the kitchen.

“Mom,” he whined. “I can’t find Oscar.”

“Where did you have him last?” Mom asked.

“In my bed,” answered Andrew.

“Don’t worry, Sweetheart. He’ll turn up,” his mom said as she flipped a pancake on the griddle.

“No he won’t,” Andrew mumbled as he slowly walked away.

Andrew spent the rest of the day in search of Oscar. He looked in his toy box, behind the couch, even out in the garage-still no Oscar.

Pulling up beside Andrew, his dad yelled over the roar of the lawn mower, “Any luck finding Oscar?”

Andrew shook his head. He’s gone forever, he thought.

He moped into the house and plopped down on the couch. His brother Cory had told him he was a baby for having a bear, but he didn’t care. Oscar was his very best friend.

At the supper table Mom said, “Andrew, why don’t we buy you another Teddy bear?”

“Yea, Andrew,” Cory teased. “You need another baby toy.”

“Cory, that’s enough,” Mom interrupted. “Andrew, Oscar was getting old and worn out…”

“No, Mom,” Andrew said. “You’ll hurt Oscar’s feelings.”

“Well, if he doesn’t show up,” Dad chimed in, “wouldn’t he want you to have another friend to love?”

Andrew looked down and twirled spaghetti around on his fork, tears filling his eyes.

“Let’s finish supper and get ready for bed,” Mom said, changing the subject. “Tomorrow will be a better day.”

Andrew wiped his face with a napkin and pushed away from the table. I can’t believe Oscar is really gone, he thought as he started up the stairs. He’s my best friend in the whole world.

That night Andrew prayed, “Dear God, please help me find Oscar. I love him and he loves me. He needs me to take care of him. In Jesus name. Amen.”

The smell of bacon woke Andrew the next morning. He felt happy until he remembered Oscar. He looked at the empty place next to his pillow where Oscar always slept.

“I’m going to stay in bed all day. Nothing’s fun anymore without you, Oscar,” Andrew mumbled.

He pulled the covers under his chin and scooted down into his bed. Then he felt something soft and fuzzy tickle his feet. He lifted the covers. Oscar’s brown plastic eyes were looking up at him.

“Oscar! There you are! I’ve been looking for you!” Andrew cheered.

He grabbed his old bear and hugged him with all his might. He didn’t even care if Cory walked in and saw him.

“I love you Oscar,” he told the bear. Then he added, “And Jesus, I love you best.”

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. I Pet. 3:7