“See what great love the Father has lavished on us,
that we should be called children of God!
And that is what we are!” – 1 John 3:1 (NIV)
Jennifer was the daughter of a single mom. Her father had walked out, leaving the family penniless and in deep debt. Despite the struggle, Jennifer’s mom worked hard to try to provide for her kids.
Still, there wasn’t money for luxuries like a beautiful prom dress. It hurt, but Jennifer worked hard to act like prom wasn’t that big a deal.
When Jennifer was at her friend’s house, she casually mentioned she wouldn’t be attending prom. “It’s just a silly party, you know?” She said, trying to swallow the disappointment she felt each time the subject came up.
The next week, Jennifer’s friend called her. She begged her to go dress shopping with her, and when Jennifer showed up, she handed her a store gift card. “It’s from my parents. They say to have a good time, that prom only happens once.”
The gesture made Jennifer grin. “I got to go and try on dresses with all my friends and pick out the perfect shoes and obsess about my hair. It was so much fun!”
Jennifer went to prom in a beautiful red dress that made her feel loved. “Even all these years later, that’s the nicest thing anyone ever did for me. My friend’s parents made me feel like I mattered, too.”
God, when I feel like I don’t matter or that I’m not seen, let me know that Your love is big and lavish. Remind me again that I am precious to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
