I began a job for Mrs “P” last week. I’ve been to her home on several occasions to do various painting projects. I couldn’t help but notice the large metal cage that graced it’s presence on the island in the middle of the kitchen.
Mrs “P” began to tell me this story. In the cage was Chili the chinchilla. Chili was her granddaughter’s classroom pet. Months ago Mrs “P” was asked to care for the little guy over the summer so she agreed to do it. The truck arrived with the cage and all the necessary supplies. Chili lived there for a while and it became increasingly apparent that something was wrong. He stopped eating and could not make it up to the second floor of his little resort without falling off the ladder. Mrs “P” decided that it was time to take him to the vet. She found a vet who had some expertise in small rodents. He examined Chili and came to the conclusion that he had suffered a stroke. Interesting… who knew rodents had strokes! He told her, “It’s probably not worth it to save him. He continued, “He’ll need to be force fed every 2 hours until he can do it for himself. Even then, he may not make it.” Upon hearing this, she made a decision that most of us would not have made. She didn’t have the heart to let him die while in her possession, so she decided that he was worth it and began feeding him. She said, “It was like taking care of a newborn!”
While not completely recovered, Chili had shown great improvement when summer approached it’s end. Mrs. “P” and the teacher began discussing the plans for Chili when finally the teacher said, “Mrs “P”, Chili is going to require more care than we are prepared to provide him. Do you want him?” After all that bonding, she couldn’t say no. So now, he has found a permanent home with Mrs. “P”.
This little story reminded me of our heavenly father’s great love for us. A scripture that I was reminded of is found in Luke.

Luke 12:6-7 NIV

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Chili had little to no value in the condition he was in. Even the veterinarian felt that he would be better off being put to sleep. It wasn’t until someone decided his life was worth saving that he became valuable. We can feel sick, worthless, forgotten, or discouraged, but the truth is someone much greater than us has already decided that we ARE valuable!