The Ugly Duckling

I never dreamed of so much happiness

when I was the ugly duckling.

-- Hans Christian Andersen


The ugly duckling was not really ugly at all, he was just different.
The other ducks teased and pecked and even bit him until the ugly duckling flew away. He wandered around for a year, and was treated as an outcast everywhere.

In the spring, he saw a group of swans on a lake, and wanted very much to join them.

As he swam out toward them, he was astounded to notice his reflection in the water -- he was a swan! The other swans welcomed him warmly, and found him to be beautiful.

Most of us go through times when we feel different from those around us.

These are painful and lonely times, but it doesn't mean there is anything wrong with us.

Like the ugly duckling, we will come into a time when we will be loved.

All the pain and loneliness we have felt will help us fully appreciate the acceptance when we find it.