Prized as a Puppy

Bible Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6

Miguel walked home from school with his head down. He was the last one picked for kickball again. In Mexico, Miguel had played on a soccer team. He was strong and fast, but no one here knew that. Here, he was the kid who was laughed at because he couldn’t read or even talk right. He had come to America with his mother and little brother, leaving behind the rest of his family. He missed his friends and his family and his little dog, Paco.

On his way home, Miguel stopped at his neighbor Nathan’s house. Nathan went to a different school, but he was the one friend Miguel had made so far. When he knocked on the door, Nathan’s grandmother opened it. She told him Nathan wasn’t home yet but invited him in. She was a little round Polish woman with wrinkles who loved to bake and always had lots of food. Miguel was happy to be the only one at the table with her now, especially when she brought out the paczki (doughnuts) and krówki (fudge).

After Miguel had a doughnut, a glass of milk, and two pieces of fudge, he blurted out, “I didn’t get picked again. I hate it here. No one wants me here!”

His elderly friend gave him a sympathetic smile. “I remember you told me about your little dog, Paco. Tell me again how you found him.”

“He was lost and hungry,” Miguel replied. “I picked him up and took him home to feed him and keep him warm.”

“You picked him because he was lost and hungry, yes?” Miguel nodded, and the old woman smiled. “My little wnuk, you have a Father who loves you the same way. He picks up and holds close to His heart the little ones who have been left behind.”

“I have another father? Where is he?”

“He is in heaven, but He sent His Son to find you and make you part of His family,” the elderly woman replied. “Come, bring me that big book and I’ll tell you more about Him.” Elsie Bowman

How About You?

Do you ever feel left out or lonely? Perhaps you’re missing someone who has died or who lives far away, or those around you don’t seem to care about you. No matter what’s going on in your life, God cares about you. Before you were even born, He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for you because He wanted you to be His child. He loves you and will never leave you behind.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 27:10 Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

God cares about you