The Broken Child

As a child, life should be so simple.  Days full of swinging carefree on a swing-set, putting together legos, playing dolls, building the best racetrack.  But for too many, they are busy trying to understand the cracks in their hearts.  It seems that it might be different for other kids.  Could it be that they had all their meals yesterday? Could it be that no one hit them or abused them? But most unimaginable. . .could it be that they were loved?  Could it be that their days are filled with laughter, affirmation, hugs, kisses and sweet words of appreciation?

But as time passes, she is fairly certain that it is always this way or, well maybe, it will just always be this way for her.  The small crack grows.  As hard as she tries, the hurt, abuse and, worst of all, being unloved just continues. At the early age of four, there is nothing left but shards where the heart once was.  People wonder why she won't behave. They can't understand.  Every time she tries, the shards where the heart once was cut deeply.  She wants desperately to get it back together so that she can love but the pain is excruciating. 

What must our Savior think? How must His heart break? Is He wondering why the Christians won't notice and help her? Why won't they tell her of His great love and it's healing abilities? But then He chooses them. A beautiful Christian couple who love Him.  They hear His voice and understand that He has called them to help. 

The days ahead will be challenging.  The little girl comes into their lives as a diamond in the rough.  She is tattered and torn but yet at times the beauty is stunning.  They love on her often with no return. She is afraid and the shards of her heart are far from healing.  But they persist and tell her of their Savior's love. The progress is so slow they can't even see it except looking months and even years back.  But one day. . . they realize she has been redeemed. A bright light shines from her but it is not even her own beauty, although she is.  It is the light that shines brighter than any other and for eternity.  It is the glow of a heart healed by her Savior.