Grandma’s Garden

"That's it! I'm never ever going back to choir again," Savannah sobbed when Grandpa collected her from church. "It was so embarrassing. I was told off for joking around and distracting everyone with my loud, off-key singing." Savannah sniffed. "But the truth is, I wasn't joking around. Why didn't God give me a good singing voice?"Grandpa fished out a handkerchief and handed it to her, then gave her a hug. Savannah dabbed her eyes as they strolled back to the cottage where they both lived with Grandma.Savannah had calmed down by the time they got home, and Grandpa gave her some hot chocolate and one of the brownies he'd baked that afternoon. Grandma was still outside, gardening. "I'm sorry, Grandpa," Savannah said, munching her brownie. "I haven't really been enjoying choir. Singing has been a struggle.""Everyone has gifts, you know," Grandpa said thoughtfully. "God has provided us all with talents, and some you won't discover until later on. He created us all differently so we can use our skills in church and in the world to help others and show them the love of Jesus. I love baking. Your grandma loves gardening, and you are fantastic at math--your teacher always mentions that at parent-teacher meetings. You've tried the choir, and it isn't right for your skillset, so find something else you love that you can use to help others. Don't give up. God loves you and cherishes you--not because of anything you do but because He created you and sent His Son to die for you."Later, Grandpa made a mug of tea for Grandma and he and Savannah went outside. "The garden looks amazing," Savannah said as she looked at all the different types of flowers ranging from crimson roses to yellow sunflowers. Grandma took off her gardening gloves and beamed as she took a sip of tea. "I love gardening. It's a gift God has given me.""You see?" Grandpa said. "Look at Grandma's beautiful garden. If all the flowers and plants were the same, it would be boring. Church is the same way. Each of us is different and unique with something to offer."Savannah smiled, silently thanking God that she didn't have to be the same as everyone else and that God loved her and made her unique. -Cindy Lee