Bible Reading: Psalm 139:1-5, 13-18; Matthew 10:29-31

"Aunt Vivian, will you help me carry these shells? There are so many I want to take home!" The beauty of the seashells scattered on the beach captivated Gatlin. He had already filled his hands with shells of many colors.

Aunt Vivian laughed. "Gatlin, why don't you pick your favorite shells to take home? We can't carry them all."

After Gatlin and his aunt strolled back to their beach towels, he dumped the shells in a pile. Together they began sorting out the most interesting ones.

"Thanks for taking me on my first trip to the beach, Aunt Vivian," Gatlin said.

Aunt Vivian nodded. "This has been such a fun day. I love being out in God's wonderful creation."

"I just wish I could take all these shells home. I didn't know there would be so many!" Gatlin exclaimed.

"As many shells as there are, there's even more sand. And the Bible tells us God's thoughts toward His children outnumber even the grains of sand," Aunt Vivian added.

"Wow." Gatlin paused in sifting through the seashells. "God must think about us a lot."

"He sure does. Jesus even told His followers that God knows the number of hairs on our heads!"

Gatlin looked out toward the waves and the sun setting over the water. "God must really love us," he pondered. "I know Jesus came to save us, but I didn't know He pays that much attention to me."

"He does, Gatlin," Aunt Vivian answered. "God cares about every single person in this world. He sees everyone and knows their hearts. And as Christians who trust in Jesus, we can have peace knowing that God is always with us and that we matter to Him." She paused then picked up a peach-colored shell shaped like a heart. "Look at this one!"

"Oh!" Gatlin grinned. "I think I'll keep this one to remember that God knows me and loves me."

"Good." Aunt Vivian smiled. Then she jumped up from the sandy towel and said, "Race you to the water for one last swim!"

–Allison Wilson Lee

How About You?
Have you ever wondered if you matter to God? The Bible says you matter to Him so much that He knows the number of hairs on your head. His thoughts about you outnumber the grains of sand on a beach. He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for your sins so you could be His child forever. That's how much He loves you! When you feel small or unimportant, remember how much God cares for you and thank Him for His love for you.

Today's Key Verse:
How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! (NIV) (Psalm 139:17)

Today's Key Thought:
You matter to God