_We often find our greatest joys in the sacrifice we make for
others; especially when that other is a tired and care-worn mother._
Easter Eve was fast approaching. Hester could scarcely wait for
the day to come, for she was in the class that had been asked to
decorate the church for the Easter services. And then, Marian had
invited the little helpers to tea with her afterwards.
Saturday, the anxiously expected day, arrived at last. Hester was
up bright and early. There were many things to do before going to
the church, for her mother gave her certain duties to perform each
day.
On entering her mother’s room she was distressed to see a very
tired, care-worn expression on the sweet face.
“Why, mother, what is the trouble?” asked the little girl.
“Trouble enough, child,” answered her mother. “Here are all those
guests invited, telephone and door bell to answer, and Elsie with
a sick baby wants to go home directly after dinner to be with her.
But I just don’t see how I can spare her. If only Agatha would help
me, but she has her practicing. Oh, dear! I just don’t know what to
do!”
Hester did not answer. She walked across the room and looked out
of the window. From across the hall came the sweet sound of her
sister’s voice as she practiced her Easter anthems. Agatha’s voice
was beautiful. Hester stood listening with a very thoughtful
expression on her young face. Suddenly she turned and came up to
where her mother was standing and said:
“Couldn’t I stay, mother, and answer the door bell and do other
things? I feel sure I could, and then Elsie could go home to her
baby.”
“Why, child, of course you could; but I thought you were to help
decorate, and then Marian has invited you to her house this
afternoon, hasn’t she?”
“Yes, mother, but I can give that up, and think how happy Elsie
will be. May I run and tell her, mother?”
“You are a dear little girl,” answered her mother. “I thought your
heart was set on that Easter decorating. Yes--run along; I am sure
Elsie will be grateful.”
Elsie was very grateful indeed, and went away to her sick baby with
a heart full of joy.
The next day at the Easter service all the girls were anxious to
know how Hester could have stayed away and missed the party.
“I stayed because mother needed me,” was all the child answered.
But when the service was over the minister called her to him. In
his hand he held a lily. He handed it to her, saying: “This flower,
little girl, is for you--a token from the Master. You are like Him
in giving up your own desires for the sake of others.”