Summary: I wonder if Mom will ever be well again, thought Maria as she got out of the car and walked with her aunt and uncle toward the church. Maria had been sent to stay with them while Dad took Mom to a special doctor in a distant city. Everybody says God knows best, but I sure can't see how Mom's illness is best for anybody! Maria grabbed her aunt's hand for comfort. "Look at that window, Maria," said Aunt Laura, pointing to a stained glass window. "I never cease to marvel at the skill of the man who created that." Maria looked up, but she wasn't impressed. "It's just a lot of little dark pieces of glass," she said with a frown. "Wait till we get inside, and then look again," replied Aunt Laura. "Then tell me what you think of it, okay?" Numbly, Maria nodded. After they took their seats, Aunt Laura nudged Maria. "Look!" she murmured, and Maria looked up at the stained glass window. It looked much different from this side. The sun shone brightly through the colored glass, revealing a picture of children gathered around Jesus. Maria nodded and tried to smile at her aunt. As they were leaving their seats at the end of the service, Aunt Laura again motioned toward the window. "You know, that window looks so different with the sun shining through it, and that reminds me of life," she said. She reached over to squeeze Maria's shoulders. "From our point of view, life can seem dark and dull, especially when we're going through bad times--like your mom's illness," she added. "From God's point of view, each little part fits together just right to make a beautiful picture." Maria sighed deeply. "I'm so scared, though," she murmured. "I understand, honey," said Aunt Laura, "but just like the artist knew what he was doing when he used each piece--even the dark ones--God knows what He's doing, too. In fact, He's a far better artist than the window designer. Can you trust God to use even this difficult time for your good?" As Maria stared at the window, she could see that the beautiful gleam of the dark pieces added to the beauty of the picture. Slowly, she nodded and gave a small smile. "I'll try," she promised. "I'll really try." How About You? Does life look dull and dreary to you? Perhaps there's been sickness or a death in your family. Maybe your parents are separating, or your best friend has moved away. If you could see as God does, you'd find there is a reason and a purpose for those hard things. You may not understand, but God truly is working for your best. Trust Him to make something beautiful out of your life. Today's Key Verse: Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. (1 Corinthians 13:12) Today's Key Thought: Trust God with your life
