Walking through the classrooms at Thrive Day School, I love to hear the happy sounds of our little ones laughing and playing together. Each one of our students are exceptional and were created by a loving God in His image. Most of these precious ones would not fit into a typical preschool classroom or would be labeled by their disabilities and not as the precious little overcomers God has called them to be. In a world that is quick to categorize and assign labels, there is only one label that should stick: “Child of the King!” “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called a child of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1 (NIV) In his kid’s devotional, Indescribable, Louie Giglio writes, “Did you know you’re a miracle? It’s true! The God who breathes out fiery, ferocious stars and hangs them in the sky is the same One who crafted and created you. Your hair, your eyes and your smile are exactly as God designed them to be. An amazing and wonderfully designed miracle called …you.” God placed every freckle on your nose and counted the number of hairs on your head as he placed them there. He knew the color of your eyes before you ever opened them. He made you exactly how you were meant to be. Everything you may deem an imperfection, he looks at and thinks, “WOW! You look like me!” A loving God intricately made you. He loved you so much that he gave you the right to be called a child of God. You are a Child of the King. What does it mean to be a Child of the King? It means that you are protected. The Lord surrounds you with His favor as with a shield. (Ps 5:12) It means that you are loved. God loves you with a love that is increasing and overflowing. (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13) It means that you are worthy. Let us approach God’s throne of grace with confidence… (Hebrews 4:16) It means that you belong. …you belong to God, my dear children. You have already overcome… (1 John 4:4) How does knowing that you are a Child of the King effect your daily life? Being a Child of the King gives you a confidence that is only found in the love of God. Each day our little ones at Thrive face not only physical challenges but social and emotional ones as well. Showing them that they are loved, protected, worthy of love, and that each of them has a special gift to contribute gives them the confidence they need to be overcomers. This is one way that we can express God’s love that He first lavished on us. May you walk with a confidence as a Child of the King and approach the Throne of God with a newfound Boldness! Laura Scott