Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: HONEST (05/31/18)
-
TITLE: Power of Praise | Previous Challenge Entry
By linda simpson
06/07/18 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
“Hey Sis, want to buy some sweets? asked Shirley.
“Ooh yes, Mum hasn't bought any for ages. But what'll we do for money?” replied Alice.
“I'll spend this silver threepenny bit. It's one Gran gave me on my tenth birthday and looks like the sixpence Mum left on the mantle piece. Come and see.”
“You're right they're nearly the same, but this sixpence is new. See, the date's 1954. What's yours?”
“1875. We could go to Mrs Miller's sweet shop. She won't notice. A kid at school told me he did it and nothing happened.”
“I don't know Shirley, isn't it sort of cheating?”
“We are giving her some money, it's not like stealing. Put that sixpence back so Mum won't be
suspicious. Quick let's go so we're home before Mum's back from town. Hurry up Alice. We've not got long.”
“Alright, alright, the shop's only round the corner.”
The shop doorbell jingled as plump Mrs. Miller asked “What can I get you my dears?”
“Sixpence worth of mixed sweets please.”
Their eyes followed toffees, raspberry drops, humbugs, and more as the white paper bag filled.
“Don't eat them all at once or you'll spoil your tea” smiled Mrs. Miller.
Shirley took the bag and nervously gave her the silver threepenny bit.
“Thank you” they chorused as they closed the shop door.
Hurrying up the street, they couldn't wait. Alice popped a humbug in her mouth.
“I still feel funny about it, Shirley.”
“Don't worry. We'll hide them, then no one will find out.” said Shirley as she chose a raspberry drop. It didn't taste quite as nice as usual.
After Sunday School that week, Shirley and Alice had a serious talk as they walked home.
“That story about Ananias and Sapphira, who didn't give God all His money, made me feel bad. We did cheat Mrs. Miller after all.” said Shirley.
“Will God strike us dead for that?” Alice's lips trembled.
“No. I think He would have done it before now. We've eaten all the sweets and the bag's in the rubbish.” Shirley put her arm around her little sister.
“I'm not doing it again though.” she said firmly.
“Me either.” said Alice.
A few weeks later Mavis, their mother, called
“Shirley, I need you to get some vegetables from the market for me.”
“Yes mum.” Both girls came running in from the garden.
“Can I go too?”
“Not this time luv, I need you to help me with some jobs. Shirley, there's a five pound note and a list in this purse. Go to the usual stall and don't lose the change on your way home.”
“I won't.”
Shirley put the purse in Mum's red shopping bag. She loved going to the market and remembered exactly how to get to the stall. Two women were serving behind trestles loaded with vegetables. It was very busy. Shirley waited patiently to be served. Finally someone said, “This little girl is next.”
Shirley passed her list over to the woman.
People were impatient.“I'm next.” “No I am.” “I was before you.”
“Stop pushing and wait your turn,” reprimanded the stall holder as she put vegetables into Shirley's bag.
“That'll be one pound three shillings and sixpence thanks luv.”
Shirley gave her the five pound note.
“Here's your change dear. Now whose next?”
With the change clutched tightly in her hand she pushed through the crowd to a quiet spot.
“Oh no!” Shirley whispered, about to put money in the purse. In her hand, crumpled with the coins, was a five pound note.
“She's given me too much change. I have to take it back.”
Shirley remembered Mrs Miller and Ananias and Sapphira.
At the stall, she handed the note to the same woman.
“I gave you five pounds for the vegetables but you gave me five pounds in my change.”
“My goodness what an honest girl you are!” said the surprised stall holder.
'Its unusual to find someone so honest these days.” agreed the other woman who also served vegetables.
As she received the right change, people who overheard, patted her on the back.
“Well done.”
“Good girl.”
Shirley skipped all the way home, swinging the red bag.
After she excitedly explained what had happened, Mum Dad and Alice hugged her.
“We are so proud of you.” they all said.
Shirley, pleased she had done the right thing, resolved “ From now on I will always try to be honest!”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
