Lacey’s Little Coins

Lacey zipped her backpack and skipped toward the library's exit. She had always loved books, and today's field trip with her class meant she could finally get her own library card. As Lacey waited to check out a few novels, an older woman spoke with the librarian about rechecking a book. She didn't have enough money with her to pay her overdue fines, so the librarian explained that she'd have to return the book. Lacey wanted to help. She dug in her school bag for coins. "Here you go," Lacey said, handing over twenty cents, all the money she had in her backpack. "Thank you, dear." The woman smiled at Lacey. "But I'm afraid that's not enough to cover my fine."The librarian looked at Lacey for a moment, then held out her hand for the coins. "It's all right," she said. "If you just pay part of your fine, you can check something out." The woman beamed. "Now I can finish my book!"Excited about this chance to help, Lacey shared the story with her friends as they walked back to school. "It's just twenty cents, Lacey. No big deal," Eden replied, walking away.Lacey's joy faded. I guess it wasn't anything special after all, she told herself."Lacey, are you okay?" Mr. Sawyer asked as they returned to class."Well, I did feel happy, but now…not so much." Lacey explained to Mr. Sawyer how she'd wanted to help the elderly woman at the library. Then she added that Eden had reminded her such a small amount of money hadn't been so important."Lacey, you've trusted Jesus to forgive your sins, haven't you?" Mr. Sawyer asked. Lacey nodded. "Well, when you trusted in Him, He gave you the Holy Spirit, who is working in your life to make you more like Jesus. He has given you a desire to serve others. That's what you did today, and you did it with joy. You gave all the money you had with you to help this lady. You really blessed her."Lacey smiled. "Thanks, Mr. Sawyer." She walked to her desk. "I'm going to put more coins in my backpack tonight so I can help somebody else next time I visit the library." – Allison Wilson Lee