The Story That Counts

"I have to do a project with Dayton Lander," Hazel told her dad as they biked around the block. "I'm not looking forward to it--everyone says he's weird." Dad was about to respond when Hazel pointed to a nearby house. "Look, a garage sale! Can we stop and see if they have any books? I need a new one." Dad agreed, and they got off their bikes. "How about this one?" Dad held up a book with a worn green cover and letters so faded Hazel had to squint to see the title. "It was one of my favorites when I was a kid!" Hazel made a face. "I think I'll go with this one." She held up a book with a bright, shiny cover. "It says on the back that it's 'unputdownable' and 'will leave you wanting more.' Sounds good to me! Plus, it's in better shape than yours.""Suit yourself," said Dad. "I'll buy this one anyway, for old times' sake."That evening, Hazel read her new book on the patio while Dad grilled hot dogs. "How's your book?" asked Dad. Hazel put her book down and sighed. "I just can't seem to get into it.""Well, the one I bought is in the kitchen if you want to give it a try." Hazel shrugged, then went to get the book. A few days later, Hazel ran to find Dad. "Dad, I just finished that book you gave me, and it was so good! Do you have any more like it?"Dad laughed. "I'll check. So, you liked that old book I gave you? Even though it wasn't all new and shiny with lots of quotes on the back saying how good it was?"Hazel smiled. "All right, Dad. You win. I shouldn't have judged a book by its cover.""Right. It's the story that counts." Dad scratched his chin thoughtfully. "You know, that makes me think of Dayton. You think you know his story by what other people say about him. But there's another story you're forgetting--God's story. Jesus loves Dayton and died for him, just like He did for you and me. He wants Dayton to be part of His story and spend eternity with Him. That's how God sees Dayton, and that's how He wants you to see him too--as someone loved by God who needs to see that love in how you treat him."–Courtney Lasater