Broken Shells

Bible Reading: Exodus 4:10-11; Psalm 139:14-16

Nolan and his sister Destiny were having a wonderful vacation at the seashore. They spent hours on the beach—swimming, building sand castles, hunting for shells, and making new friends. “Want to come and find shells with me and Ford?” Nolan asked his sister one day. “He knows where to find some big ones.”

“Ford!” Destiny said. “You’re not going to play with him, are you? He talks funny, and he can’t walk well, either!”

“So? That doesn’t mean we can’t play with him,” said Nolan. “He’s really nice—I like him.”

“Well, if you’re not careful, nobody else will want to play with you,” Destiny replied. “I’ll find my own shells, thanks.”

When Destiny met up with Nolan later, she saw he had several very nice shells. “Wow, Nolan! Those are so big! All I found are small ones.” She sighed. “I wish I had gone with you.”

“Even though Ford went with me?” Nolan asked. Destiny blushed and glanced at Mom.

“That’s a fair question,” said Mom. “I heard how you feel about Ford.” She picked up one of Nolan’s shells and held it out. “Look at this closely.”

Destiny took the shell and examined it. “It has a broken edge!” she said in surprise. She picked up another one. “And this one has a small crack. I thought they had to be perfect to be worth keeping, but these are still much nicer than mine.”

“You seem to be treating people the same way you’ve been treating shells,” said Mom. “Ford doesn’t look perfect to you, so you threw him away—you refused to play with him. I’m glad that’s not how Jesus treats us, aren’t you?”

Destiny looked at the floor and nodded.

“None of us is perfect, but Jesus loves us anyway,” said Mom. “We may not have the problems Ford does, but we all have a problem with sin. But instead of throwing us away, Jesus died to save us. That’s how much He loves us—all of us. We may not understand why God allows Ford to have the difficulties he does, but we know He loves him and has a purpose for His life.”

Destiny turned to her brother. “Do you think Ford would help us find more shells tomorrow?” she asked.

Nolan smiled. “I’m sure he would!” – Roberta Rossi

How About You?

Do you know someone who has a physical challenge or special needs? Do you treat them with kindness and include them in activities? Or do you stay away from them? No one is perfect—we’re all sinful. But Jesus didn’t stay away from us—He came to earth and died because He loves each one of us. Treat everyone with the same love He has shown you.

Today’s Key Verse:
Exodus 4:11 Who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord? (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Every person is loved by God