Saturday is a Good Day for Helping

Written by Mary O. Burcin

Inspired by the Word.

Part 1

Kristen awoke to a very cool breeze coming in her open bedroom window.   “Wow, she whispered, it must have gotten really cold last night.”  She hurried over to close the window so the cool air wouldn’t wake up her sleeping twin sister, Cassidy.  As she started to close the window, she noticed some leaves had turned red on the old maple tree in their yard. “ Autumn is really here,” she thought and smiled to herself. “It’s such a beautiful time of year and I am so glad that it is Saturday.  Time to go out and enjoy the last day of this week.”  So she dressed quickly and then went outside to get a closer look at the maple tree.

As she was standing under the tree the wind stirred the leaves and a few red ones drifted to the ground. “It must be time to get out the rake and help with fall clean up,” she told herself.  Kristen went to the garage and picked up a bushel basket and the rake.  In no time she had raked up a basket full of leaves. But she discovered a surprise under those fallen leaves. Dimes and nickels were hidden beneath them. So she gathered them up and put them in her pocket.  Kristen knew her Dad must have scattered the coins there for a helpful person to find. “It is nice that helping one another made us both happy,” she thought.

She had not expected a reward for raking the leaves so she started to think of a way she could surprise someone else when they helped her.  Her Dad’s kindness could start a whole wonderful chain of surprises.  Maybe Kristen could do something with those nickels and dimes to bless someone else.

Discussion questions for Part 1:

1. How could Kristen tell the weather was changing?
2. What thoughtful thing did she do for her sleeping sister?
3. What information lets you know the season and day of the week?
4. What did Kristen discover while she was raking up the fallen leaves?

Part 2:

Kristen headed back to the house and found her sister, Cassidy, busy doing last night’s dishes that Kristen had forgotten to do.  She thanked her sister for doing the dishes.  

Cassidy smiled and said, “No problem, I saw that you were already busy outside.  In fact, I’m going outside in a while to enjoy this wonderful day.” 

“Wear your boots because there is still dew on the grass,” Kristen suggested. 

That gave Kristen the idea for a good surprise for Cassidy.  When Cassidy wasn’t looking, Kristen reached over and dropped a handful of the coins into her sister’s boots. Then she slipped out of the kitchen and into the living room without Cassidy even noticing.

Kristen found her Dad working there on some bills and other paperwork.  She gave her Dad a big hug and said, “It sure was a good day to rake leaves.”  

Her Dad nodded and said, “Yes, there always seems to be something to do,” as he winked at her and smiled.  “I think your Mom is down in the basement, if you’re looking for her.”  It seemed like everyone was helping around their home this Saturday.   

Kristen wanted to say good morning to her Mom so she went down the basement stairs to find her.  She found her Mom folding laundry and Kristen asked if she could help.  She spotted a basket of laundry ready to go upstairs. “I could carry that basket upstairs,” Kristen said.  

Mom gave Kristen a hug and said, “Thanks, that would be really nice.” 

Kristen carried the laundry upstairs and decided to put it all away.  When she got to her bedroom she discovered that Cassidy had made both beds this morning.  Kristen thought to herself, “Kindness is everywhere today and it sure feels good.”

Discussion questions for Part 2:

1. How did Cassidy help her sister Kristen?
2. In what way did Kristen show appreciation for Cassidy’s help?
3. How did each person in the story help the others?

Part 3:

Kristen’s day started out with a chilly breeze, raking leaves, and helping with the laundry.  Without being asked, she was noticing things that could be done around her home.  It is God’s plan for us to care for each other and this earth.  In the Bible, in the book of Micah, there is a verse that encourages us to honor God with our love and show it in the way we live. 

Micah 6:8 says, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (KJV)

God’s love is a gift to be shared.  God’s love motivates us to look out for each other and care for our homes. What could this family plan to do together after morning chores are done?  What does your family like to do for fun?  Finish the story so it will bless them all.  Look up Micah 6:8 in a modern translation for better understanding.