Max Lucado, awarding winning author, created a book entitled YOU ARE SPECIAL. This particular book is a children’s book but can certainly be a wonderful loving gift for anyone.

“Eli, the woodcarver, helps Punchinello understand how special he is – no matter what other Wemmicks may think.”  In this story, Eli, the woodcarver is God, the creator.  Eli/God has created all the Wemmicks/people.  They go about their day doing things on their own.  A few, including Punchinello, finally realize by going to visit Eli often, that they are “…precious in God’s sight.”  What a welcome message!

Far too many folks fret over what others think about them personally.  This is not just a “teenage” thing, but a human “thing.”  Did someone comment on your political beliefs and you fumed, or perhaps negatively commented on your new hair style, or praised you for your choice of clothing, car, house etc.?  The list goes on and on.  Accepting praise or negativity can easily become your focus.  You are precious in God’s sight; He created you.  You are special!  God loves you unconditionally.

In Max’s book, the Wemmicks award each other with stick-on stars for something done or said right and with stick-on dots for things not so good.  When Punchinello hears from a friend about the availability of visiting Eli, their creator woodcarver, Punchinello pays Eli a visit.  Eli reminds him he is special just the way he is and that Eli/God did not create the stars and dots, the Wemmicks did that on their own. 

Don’t allow other people to “stick” a label you.  1 John 3:1, “What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it — we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are.” (MSG)

Go to God.  Seek Him.  He will remind you that you are His creation and special…no stickers, stars or dots needed…simply His to love.

Jill