The Toast for Grandma

Grandma was coming for breakfast, and Harvey wanted everything to look special. He arranged grapes around the plates and folded the napkins into tall shapes. Then he decided that plain toast would not be good enough.

Mother suggested making it carefully and serving it warm. Harvey frowned. He wanted to cook pancakes, but there was not enough time before Grandma arrived. In his hurry he knocked a cup against the jam jar and snapped at his little sister for standing nearby.

Mother asked him to stop and look at the table. The grapes were neat, but his sister had left the room in tears. Harvey put down the napkins and went to apologize. He invited her to choose the small plate for Grandma's toast.

They worked together after that. Harvey spread the jam, and his sister carried the napkins without trying to make them stand. Grandma arrived while the kettle was boiling. She sat between the children and listened to their news.

The toast was ordinary, and one corner was darker than Harvey intended. Grandma enjoyed the warm food and the cheerful welcome. She stayed long enough to hear about his school project.

The Bible teaches that love matters more than a grand meal. Making something nice for a visitor is good, but it should never become a reason to treat the people beside us unkindly. Harvey learned to put welcome back at the center of breakfast.