A Different Look

Bible Reading: Luke 19:1-6

Willow looked out the front window when she heard the doorbell ring. Dannica stood on the front porch. All right! Willow thought. Dannica’s back! The summer’s been so boring without her. Willow raced toward the door—then stopped and stood still.

Mom came in from the kitchen just in time to see Willow remove her glasses, put them on the hall table, and once again head for the door. “Whoa!” said Mom. “Put your glasses on, Willow. You know you’re supposed to wear them all the time.” Willow had gotten glasses only a few weeks earlier, and she still didn’t like wearing them.

“But Dannica doesn’t know I have them, Mom,” said Willow. “I look so weird now.”

“You do not look weird,” said Mom. “Do you remember the Bible story about Zacchaeus? He was very short, and people probably teased him because of it. But when Jesus found Zacchaeus sitting in a tree, He wanted to be Zacchaeus’s friend. What mattered to Jesus was Zacchaeus’s heart, not his appearance. I’m sure it’s that way with Dannica too. She’ll see your glasses, but your friendship is what’s really important to her.” Mom smiled at Willow. “Besides, lots of kids wear glasses—and those who don’t wish they did because they look so cool,” she added with a wink.

“Oh, Mom,” muttered Willow, smiling in spite of herself.

“Would you still want to hang out with Dannica if she wore glasses?” Mom asked. “Of course,” replied Willow, “but she doesn’t wear them.”

“Well, I’m sure she feels the same way about you,” said Mom. “And no matter

what Dannica thinks, I know how Jesus feels about you. He created you and loves you, and He’s made you His friend just like He did Zacchaeus.”

Willow sighed as the doorbell rang again, then she picked up her glasses and put them on. “Okay,” she said, “I’ll let her in.”

“Good,” said Mom as Willow went to the door. “I’m sure she’s wondering what’s taking you so long.”

Willow opened the front door. There stood Dannica, a shiny, silver grin on her face. “Braces!” said Willow in surprise.

“Glasses!” exclaimed Dannica.

Then they both started laughing. • Doris J. Schuchard

How About You?

Do you need glasses? Braces on your teeth? A back brace? A wheelchair? Those things are not you—they’re just tools to help you. But maybe you wish you were taller or your hair was a different color. Remember that God made you and loves you just the way you are. Like Jesus, true friends don’t base friendship on looks. They love you for who you are.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 139:14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Jesus loves you the way you are