The Raincoat Hook

A small raincoat slipped from its hook in the school entrance. Children hurried past it on their way to the classroom. Jacob noticed the coat lying where muddy boots could step on it.

He was carrying a model airplane that he wanted everyone to see. If he stopped, the other children might begin showing their projects before he reached the room. He looked at the coat again and recognized the green hood. It belonged to a younger boy who had only started school that week.

Jacob put his airplane on the bench. He shook the water from the coat gently and hung it on a lower hook where its owner could reach it. Then he moved the boy's lunch bag away from a puddle.

The classroom door was still open when Jacob arrived. He had time to place his airplane with the other projects. Later the younger boy came past the entrance with his teacher. He found his coat on the low hook and put it on without needing help.

Nobody announced that Jacob had moved it. He knew the coat was dry and easy to reach, and that was enough.

Jesus teaches His people to let their light shine through the good they do. Our kindness should help others see the goodness of God. We can serve in an ordinary hallway as well as in a place where people are watching. A useful act does not need a crowd to matter.