God's Favorites

"Do we have to go to the grocery store, Mom?" Shiloh asked as her family pulled out of the church parking lot. Shiloh, her brothers and sisters, and her mother had just finished attending their weekly homeschool group. Now Mom informed them that a trip to the store was in order. "I think you can ask that in a stronger voice," Mom answered. Shiloh knew that meant she'd been whining. Mom was reminding her to think about her tone."I've had a sad day, Mom. Can't we go to the store later?""Sorry, honey. We have the car today while Dad works from home. It just can't wait," Mom replied.As the family grabbed reusable bags and headed into the store, Shiloh shuffled behind. Mom sent the other kids to grab bananas, bread, and milk and then put her arm around Shiloh. "What was sad today?" Mom asked."Remember the art contest, Mom? I worked hard but didn't even get an honorable mention. Aria won second place, and she told me she barely tried. Then I didn't win anything during the spelling bee either. Stormy thinks she's no good at spelling, but she got third place. I thought I was a great speller."Mom was about to say something, but she stopped and pointed to a boy walking past them. "Shiloh! Look at that T-shirt!" On his shirt was a Bible verse about how those who find God find favor from the Lord. Underneath were the words, I'm one of God's favorites."Shiloh, do you know what it means to be one of God's favorites?""Well, I know God loves me and sent Jesus to die for my sins," Shiloh replied. "And since I trust in Jesus, I know I'm forgiven, and now I have a relationship with Him." "Right! When we trust in Jesus, we become God's children. That means His favor is on us. He delights in us!" Mom said."So, all God's children are His favorites." Shiloh smiled. "Just like all your children are your favorites."Mom laughed. "Yep. You're one of God's favorites--not because you work diligently on your art, and not because you're a gifted speller. But just because you're His."-Allison Wilson Lee