The Bell Before the Race

The children lined up for a sack race at the church picnic. Oliver stepped into his sack and held it tightly at his waist. He was sure he could reach the far tree first.

The leader lifted a little bell. Before she explained the starting signal, Oliver began hopping. Two other children followed him, and the line became a noisy jumble. The leader called them back and waited until everyone was standing still.

Oliver felt his face grow hot. He wanted to say that the other children had started too. Then he remembered that they had followed him. He apologized and listened while the leader explained. One ring meant get ready. Two rings meant begin. A long ring meant stop.

This time Oliver kept his feet still through the first ring. At the second signal, everyone began together. Halfway across the grass he stumbled and sat down hard. His friend Charlie stopped beside him until the leader saw that Oliver was all right.

Neither boy won the race, but both finished. Oliver thanked Charlie, then carried his sack back for the next group. When the leader gave instructions again, he helped the younger children hear them.

Listening is part of loving other people. It keeps our hurry from making their day harder. The Bible tells us to be quick to hear. Oliver learned that being ready was not the same thing as rushing ahead before the right time.