The world’s biggest sperm bank is turning away redheads. (No, I’m not advocating the use of sperm banks.) Why is Cryos International rejecting “ginger” donors from its ranks? Because not enough clients want red-haired children. In fact, the only country that has a high demand for redheaded donors is Ireland—a land known for people with lovely red locks. Personally, I think red hair reflects the beauty and creativity found in every child—all made in God’s image.

Solomon, in Psalm 127, gives us God’s view of kids: They’re a gift (Psalm 127:3). Regardless of the color of their hair, children are a blessing given to parents to love and care for them (Psalm 103:13). Each child has been specially designed and created by God, and His “workmanship is marvelous” (Psalm 139:14). If children are healthy, with no mental or physical disabilities, they have been carefully created by God. If they’re not healthy, with mental and/ or physical disabilities, they have been carefully created by God (Exodus 4:11). All children have been “woven together in the dark of the womb” under His watchful eye (Psalm 103:15).

In a world where perfection is demanded and people often live vicariously through their children’s appearances and accomplishments, it’s easy for children to be rejected if they don’t measure up. Should kids lovingly be held to reasonable standards and behavior? Absolutely. But God knows our strengths and weaknesses and still loves us. Parents should follow His example.

You might not have children or you might have a whole “quiver . . . full of them” (Psalm 127:5), but as you interact with precious little ones made in God’s image remember that they are a gift! They’re worthy of respect and love and capable of teaching us something about faith (Mark 10:15). They should be received in love and never rejected because of the way God has made them.

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 6:1-18