APRIL 21, Psalm 139:14

“Hey, Dad, look at this ugly white lizard,” Daniel called as he peered into the darkness of a tank in the reptile house at the zoo.“It doesn’t have any eyes.” Daniel watched as the lizard crawled off a rock and slid into the pond.

“Actually, that’s not a lizard,” said Dad, stepping up beside him. He pointed to the sign on the tank. “It’s a Texas blind salamander,” he added as he opened his zoo brochure to the reptile section. “Look, Daniel. It says here that Texas blind salamanders are born with tiny, sightless eyes, but they lose them as they grow older.” Dad paused, then added, “God made them that way for a reason-they don’t need eyes. According to this, they live in complete blackness in caves, and eat fungi and bits of plants and insects that wash into the caves.”

Daniel studied the salamander. “I guess I can understand why God didn’t give it eyes,” he said. “If it lives all its life in darkness, there’s nothing for it to see.” Daniel pointed. “What are those little feathery wings on the sides of its head?”

Dad looked at the brochure again. “Let’s see . . . oh, those are its gills,” he said. “Blind salamanders spend most of their time underwater and breathe through gills, like fish.” Leaning forward to get a better look, he dropped the brochure. Daniel snatched it before it landed on the ground. He handed it back to his father. “Thanks, Daniel,” said Dad. “You certainly can move quickly.”

“It’s simple,” said Daniel with a shrug. Dad smiled. “When you were younger, you used to complain that you were too small and had thin arms and bony knees,” he said. “You even asked God to give you a big, strong, muscular build. Do you remember that?”

Daniel nodded. “I still wish He would,” he said. “Well,” said Dad, “I think God knows that what you need right now is good coordination, so that’s what He gave you.You’ve found it very useful in the activities you like.”

As Daniel looked again at the little white salamander swimming contentedly in the pond,he glanced at his own arms.The salamander doesn’t need eyes, and I don’t need huge muscles, he thought. That’s okay. I guess God has a reason for making us just the way we are.

Thought: Do you think other kids are better looking, smarter, or more talented than you? God creates you the best way you should be!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to be thankful and grateful for how You have made me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.