NOVEMBER 6,  Psalm 139:14

When Seng’s mother stepped into the kitchen, she knew something was wrong. His bag was on the floor, his books were scattered across the table, and he sat with his head in his hands. “What’s the matter, son?” Mom asked.

Seng looked up. “Oh, Mom, I can’t be on the basketball team,” he said sadly. “I’m just too short. All the guys are taller than me, and they call me Short Stuff. Even most of the girls are taller than I am.” Seng sighed. “Who wants to hang out with a short guy like me?” Mom looked at him thoughtfully. “Come to the balcony with me,” she said, “we’ll talk about it while you help me plant some seeds.”

“Okay,” said Seng. “Even a shorty can do that.”

Seng knelt and helped his mother sow a variety of vegetable seeds. “Some of these seeds look a lot alike. I hope they remember what kind of vegetable they’re supposed to be,” he said with a grin.

Mom laughed. “They’ll grow into a variety of delicious vegetables, but not because they know what they should be,” she said. “They just let God determine that. Even plants from seeds of the same kind won’t all be alike. Some will be bigger than others, but they don’t worry or complain about that. That’s up to God, too.” She paused, then added, “You know, Seng, we’re all a little bit like plants.”

“How?” Seng asked, looking at the seeds in his hand. “We don’t grow into plants.” “No,” said Mom, “but we start out small and grow and develop in the way determined by God.” “So… plants don’t care how big they get, and like them, I shouldn’t worry about my size?” Seng asked. He grinned. “If seeds could talk, they’d probably complain as much as I do,” he teased.

Mom smiled. “Remember that God knows best how seeds and plants should grow and develop, and He also knows how people should grow and develop. He knows exactly how you need to grow up to become the person He wants you to be so that you can use the gifts and abilities He gave you. Try to be content with that and leave your size up to Him. Okay?” Seng nodded. “Okay,” he agreed. “I’ll try.”

Thought: Are you unhappy with the way you look? Prefer to be taller or slimmer or…

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know I should not look at such external things. I thank You that You don’t feel that way and I pray You would remind me You made me just right for whatever tasks You have for me. In Christ’s holy name, Amen.