Maggie was born blind. The doctors called it a "random congenital birth defect." But Maggie's parents gave her lots of love, and she learned to read braille and use a white cane when she walked. Maggie could do everything other children did, she just did things a little differently.
One day, Maggie came home from school crying. She found Grandma in the kitchen making dinner. The smell of hot roast beef made Maggie's stomach grumble so loudly she almost forgot why she was sad.
"Oh no!" Grandma said. "What's wrong?"
Maggie sniffled. "A boy at school laughed at me. He told me I was stupid because I couldn't see anything."
Grandma sat down at the kitchen table and pulled Maggie onto her lap. "That was a cruel thing for him to say. But he was also very wrong--you can see all kinds of things. In fact, I would argue that you see better than most people."
"What are you talking about?" asked Maggie. She laid her head against Grandma's shoulder.
"You see with your heart," said Grandma. "You have the Holy Spirit in you, who allows you to see God's truth. The Bible tells us the Word of God lights our way like a lamp, and Jesus tells us He is the light of the world. We don't need physical sight to see how much He loves us."
"Yeah," said Maggie. "I guess that's true."
"Of course it's true!" Grandma replied. "People may say mean things because you're different from them, but always remember that God loves you just as you are. He's worked in your heart so you could see His great love for you. And one day, when Jesus returns and gives us new bodies, He'll restore your physical sight too. Until then, you can help others see God's love by shining His light and treating them kindly--even when they're mean to you."
"Thanks," said Maggie. "That makes me feel special."
"You are very special," Grandma said as she hugged Maggie tightly.
All of a sudden, Maggie's stomach gave a loud rumble.
Grandma laughed. "It sounds like you're also very hungry! Come on--neither of us needs physical sight to know it's time for dinner!" -Rebecca Holland
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you ever feel lonely or misunderstood? Have others made fun of you for being different? When others ignore you or say cruel things, remember that God sees you and loves you. He gives us the ability to see with our hearts. Let the light of His love guide you in times of darkness and shine in your life.
TODAY'S KEY VERSE: John 8:12 (KJV)
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (NIV)