20/20 Vision

"We had a missionary speaker visit our class today," Charlotte told her mother after church one Sunday. "I think missionaries have such exciting lives--traveling far away to tell people about Jesus who have never heard about Him before. That's so cool! Maybe I'll be a missionary someday."Later that afternoon, Mom got a text from the children's director at church. "Charlotte," Mom said, "Mrs. Fisher is wondering if you could help with vacation Bible school at church this week."Charlotte frowned. "Do I have to? I don't think I'd be much help--I wouldn't know what to say to those kids."Mom was quiet for a moment before she responded. "Charlotte, do you remember what the optometrist said when you had your eye examination a week ago?""Sure," said Charlotte, wondering why Mom was asking about that. "He said I have 20/20 vision, which means I have perfect eyesight. At twenty feet I can see exactly what my eyes are supposed to see from that distance.""Right," said Mom. "I'm glad you have 20/20 vision in your eyes, but when it comes to your missionary vision, it seems you're a little farsighted. A person whose eyes are farsighted can see things in the distance, but they can't see objects up close very well." Mom pulled out a chair from the table and sat down. "You're excited about the idea of someday going far away to tell people about Jesus, but you don't seem very interested in reaching out to people in your own neighborhood right now. But that's not how God sees things. He sees and loves people everywhere in the world, including the people right here. Through the Holy Spirit, He gives us the ability to share His love with those who need to hear about Jesus right now. He may lead you to another country to be a missionary someday, but today He has you right where He wants you. With His help, you can start sharing the good news of Jesus with people here and now."Charlotte was startled. "I guess you're right." She thought it over, then nodded. "I'll help Mrs. Fisher with vacation Bible school."–Mary Rose Pearson