A Place for the Quiet Guest

The children at church were choosing seats around a craft table. Lily saved the chair beside her for someone she knew. She had already put a pink paper flower and a pair of scissors there.

A new girl came into the room with her aunt. Her coat was too big, and one button was missing. She stood near the doorway while the other children talked. Lily looked down at the empty chair. She thought her usual friend might arrive late and want that place.

Their teacher brought another chair from the cupboard. Before she could put it at the far end, Lily picked up the paper flower. She walked to the doorway, said her name, and invited the new girl to sit beside her. The girl's name was May.

May did not know how to fold the petals. Lily showed her once, then waited while May tried. When Lily's usual friend arrived, the three girls moved their supplies to make room. Soon they were choosing colors for the center of May's flower.

At the end of the lesson, May carried her finished flower carefully to her aunt. Lily noticed that she was talking more easily now. The missing button had not changed, but it no longer seemed important.

God tells His people not to show favoritism. We do not need fine clothes or familiar names before we offer someone kindness. Lily had started with an empty chair. Welcoming May meant making a real place for her at the table.