God’s Love Shines Bright

Leah snuggled into her cozy bed, clutching her small lantern. She was afraid of the dark and the shadows it brought. Her room was lit by the soft glow of a nightlight and warm moonlight streaming through the window. But still, Leah felt uneasy. She whispered, 'I wish the night wasn't so scary.'

Leah's grandmother entered the room and sat beside her. 'Why do you look so worried, my dear?' she asked. Leah sighed and said, 'I don't like the dark, Grandma. It's scary.' Grandma smiled and said, 'Let me tell you a story about God's love.' Leah's eyes widened with curiosity.

'A long time ago,' Grandma began, 'there was a little girl who was also afraid of the dark. She felt scared and alone when the lights went out.' Leah nodded, feeling the same way. 'But she had a special lantern that reminded her of God's love,' Grandma continued. Leah held her lantern tighter.

Leah looked at her lantern and asked, 'Grandma, how can a lantern remind her of God's love?' Grandma smiled and replied, 'Because God's love is like a light that never goes out. Even in the darkest times, His love shines bright and keeps us safe.' Leah felt a bit braver hearing these words.

Leah closed her eyes and tried to sleep, but the shadows still made her uneasy. She whispered, 'God, please help me not be afraid.' Suddenly, a strong wind blew through the window, making the nightlight flicker. Leah's heart raced with fear. She wanted to call for Grandma.

Leah's grandmother returned and said, 'Remember, Leah, God's love is always with you.' Leah nodded but still felt scared. The wind howled louder, and Leah's fear grew. She whispered, 'But what if the light goes out?' Grandma hugged her and said, 'God's love never goes out, even if the light does.'

Leah tried to be brave, but when the nightlight flickered again, she couldn't help but feel scared. 'Maybe I should just stay awake all night,' she thought. But she knew that wasn't a good idea. She sighed and whispered, 'I don't know if I can do this.' Grandma held her close and said, 'You can, Leah. Just believe.'

Leah felt overwhelmed by her fear. She wanted to give up and hide under her blankets. 'Maybe I can't be brave,' she thought. Tears welled up in her eyes. 'I don't think I can do this, Grandma,' she said softly. Grandma kissed her forehead and said, 'Don't give up, sweetheart.'

Suddenly, Leah remembered her lantern. She held it up and whispered, 'God, please help me see Your love.' The lantern seemed to glow brighter, and Leah felt a warm feeling in her heart. 'I think I understand now,' Leah said. 'God's love is always with me, even in the dark.'

Leah smiled and hugged her grandmother. 'I think I can sleep now,' she said. Grandma nodded and tucked her in. 'Remember, Leah, God's love shines bright no matter what,' she said. Leah closed her eyes, feeling safe and loved. She whispered, 'Thank you, God,' and drifted off to sleep.