Not a Mistake

Bible Reading: Psalm 139:13-18

(Editor’s note: Providing a Christian perspective on this story’s subject matter is important. However, it may not be suitable for young children.)

Kaden walked slowly up to home plate when it was his turn to bat. The pitcher threw

the ball. “Strike one!” the umpire called. Kaden sighed, then watched the next pitch sail past him. “Strike two!” the umpire shouted. On the third pitch, Kaden swung the bat and tapped the ball lightly. He was out before he got halfway to first base.

“Another out!” Max moaned. “It was a mistake to let Kaden play with us.”

“He’s a mistake,” Ethan murmured. Several boys laughed and nodded.

“Give him a break,” said Adam. “He doesn’t have a dad to help him.”

Luke snorted. “Yeah, and whose mistake is that?”

Ethan snickered. “I told you he was a mistake!”

Red-faced, Kaden picked up his gear and ran toward home. He was in such a hurry that he didn’t see his neighbor, Mr. Radcliffe, walking away from his mailbox. They collided, and the mail scattered.

As both bent over to pick up the mail, Mr. Radcliffe noticed tears in Kaden’s eyes. “Whoa! You seem a bit shaken,” Mr. Radcliffe said. “It’s a hot day. I was just going to have some lemonade out here on the porch. Want to join me?” Kaden hesitated, but he didn’t really want to go home, so he agreed.

As they sat together, what happened on the ball field soon spilled out. “It’s true—I am a mistake,” Kaden said, sniffling. “I never should have been born! My mother wasn’t married when she had me.”

“Kaden, you are not a mistake!” Mr. Radcliffe said firmly. “Your mother may not have planned your birth, but God is the one who creates life, and He created you. The Bible says God made you and planned out your days before you were born. He made you a very special person.”

“Really?” asked Kaden.

“Really,” Mr. Radcliffe replied. “God made all of us for a purpose, and you’re no different. He loves you and sent His Son, Jesus, to die for you so you could be His child. You are deeply loved and valued by Him. There’s no mistake about that!”

Not a mistake, Kaden thought as he sipped his lemonade. God made me and loves me, so I’m not a mistake! • Jan L. Hansen

How About You?

Have you ever thought of yourself as a mistake? Your birth was no surprise to God. He made you, and you are very special to Him! You aren’t responsible for anyone else’s actions, but you are responsible for the way you live your life. Thank God for making you and sending His Son to die for you. Love Him in return and live faithfully as His child. You are not a mistake—and neither is anyone else.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 139:16 Your eyes saw me before I was put together. And all the days of my life were written in Your book before any of them came to be. (NLV)

Today’s Key Thought:

No person is a mistake