I love this little cactus. There it is bravely growing out of a boulder. It epitomizes
one of my favorite quotes: Do the best you can, with what you have, where you are.
However, I can imagine one day a hiker goes by and remarks about how small and
ordinary the cactus is. Maybe he even says something like, "You could be big and
strong, and beautiful if you tried, but you are just pitiful."
I imagine the cactus' first reaction is anger. He cries out, "You don't know me. You
don't know how little dirt I have or how few raindrops I get. I'm doing my best!"
But then the hiker leaves, and the little cactus is left with only his insecurities. Maybe he is puny and weak and ugly. Maybe he will never be anything valuable or beautiful.
Maybe he should just give up.
Little cactus - don't be ashamed of who you are. Your value does not come from the opinions of those around you. It comes from a Heavenly Father who looks down and sees how courageously you struggle against all the challenges of life. He sees how miraculous and beautiful you are. He sees the real you, and he loves you always and forever.
