SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN: “Self Acceptance”

*DAILY BREAD- A DEVOTIONAL FOR THE CHILDREN*

EASTERN NIGERIA UNION CONFERENCE CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

THEME: I WILL GO

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2021

TOPIC: Self Acceptance

_I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14_

There was this once a beautiful peacock who was all, but dancing on a rainy day. While he was busy admiring his plumage, his rough voice reminded him of his own shortcomings. All the joy beaten out of him, he was almost in tears. Suddenly, he heard a nightingale singing nearby.
Listening to the nightingale’s sweet voice, his own shortcoming once again became very evident. He began wondering why he was jinxed in such a manner. At that moment, Juno, the leader of the gods, appeared and addressed the peacock.
“Why are you upset?” Juno asked the peacock The peacock complained about his rough voice and how he was sad because of it. “The nightingale has such a beautiful voice. Why don’t I?”After listening to the peacock, Juno explained, “ every living being is special in his or her own way. They are and made in a certain manner that serves the greater purpose. Yes, the nightingale is blessed with a beautiful voice, but you are also blessed – with such a beautiful and glittering plumage! The trick is acceptance and making the most of what you have.” The peacock understood how silly he had been in comparing himself to others and forgetting his own blessings. He realized that day, that everyone was unique in some way or the other.
How often do we behave like the peacock? We always want to be like others while we forget that we are uniquely made by God. Do you know that the person you are wishing to be like may equally be wishing to be like you. God in his infinite wisdom has made us according to our abilities; therefore accept with gratitude what God has made of you. Self-acceptance is the first step to happiness. Make the best of what you have, rather than being unhappy about what you don’t have.

*Song*
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way.
Thou art the potter, Iam the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting , Yielded and still.

*Prayer*
I thank you in Heaven, for making me, me.
Grant me your grace oh Lord to believe in myself and never to compare myself with anybody. I pray this in Jesus Name. Amen.