The other day Jackson received a package in the mail! Inside were several wonderful children’s books from his birth mother. What a fun surprise! Jackson loves when we read books and we go to story time at the local library every week.
One of the books he received was, “The Rainbow Fish.” It was one that I had been meaning to add to our collection and one that I hadn’t read in quite some time.
Jackson and I cuddled up to read about the adventures of the colorful fish. Jackson squealed with delight, and as I read the story God spoke to my heart! A simple children’s book was a huge reminder of how Jesus calls his followers to live.
The Rainbow Fish had something that all of the other fish wanted. He had beautiful, sparkling, scales tucked between the blue, green, pink and purple ones. All the fish wanted a beautiful scale of their own, but the Rainbow Fish was prideful and didn’t want to share. He didn’t want anything to do with the other fish and he quickly became very lonely.
One day he got tired of being lonely and asked the wise Octopus how he could make friends. The octopus told him to share his beautiful scales.It took a little while for the rainbow fish to let go of his prized scales, but when he did something began to change.
“A rather peculiar feeling came over the Rainbow Fish….The more he gave away, the more delighted he became. Finally the Rainbow Fish had only one shining scale left. His most prized possessions had been given away, yet he was very happy.”
I had to fight back tears the first time I read this story to Jackson because it’s such a beautiful reminder of how Jesus wants us to live. He calls us to give.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” ~ Acts 20:35
He calls us to let go of the things of this world so that we can follow him. We are to be an example to the world – they should see something sparkly and bright in our lives – the love of Jesus. They should want what we have – the way the other fish wanted the shimmery scales.
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise the Father in heaven.” ~ Matthew 5:16
“He said to them, Go into the world and preach the good news to all creation.” ~Mark 16:15
What are you holding on to, afraid to let go of and allow God to use for His kingdom? What can you give, so that others can see Christ in you? What has someone given you that has been a reflection of Christ’s love? Please share! I would love to hear your stories!
Rachel Hawkins says
I LOVE this story, and I LOVE that my daughter loves it as well. It has such an amazing message that is easy for children to understand. God Gave Us You is another good one!
Jen says
The kingdom of heaven is so backwards from the way that we are conditioned to see things. Thanks for this encouragement that it’s more blessed to give than to receive.
I also wanted to let you know to check out my Liebster Acceptance Speech post….I tagged you! 🙂