June 8, 2020

Don’t Be Late!

By Jean Boonstra

 Mr. Simon is looking for some help! Is Mia the right person for the job?

“Mr. Simon! Mr. Simon,” Mia said bursting through the door at Trekkers with something in her hand.

“Hey, that’s my help wanted sign,” said Mr. Simon. “I just hung it up in the window!”

“Your search is over,” said Mia and set the sign on the counter with a triumphant smile. Mia turned to Gadget and added, “Right Gadget? Who else could possibly be a better dog walker than me?”

Gadget barked approvingly and Mr. Simon smiled. “Alright you have an interview,” he said.

“An interview?” Mia asked.

“Yes, come back here at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow,” Mr. Simon explained. “Don’t be late!”

The next day Mia was so excited about her interview, she could hardly focus on her schoolwork. When the final bell rang, she dashed out of the school and towards Trekkers.

Meanwhile, back at Trekkers Mr. Simon and Gadget waited for Mia to arrive. The doors to Trekkers opened, but it was Pastor Peabody and not Mia. The phone rang, but it was Deputy Bo calling, and not Mia. Mr. Simon glanced at his watch. It was 3:47 p.m.

Gadget whimpered.

“I know, boy,” Mr. Simon answered. “I’m disappointed too. Let’s hang the Help Wanted sign back up in the window. I can’t hire someone who’s late for her own job interview!”

Just then the doors opened and Mia rushed inside the store. “Mr. Simon!” she said panting to catch her breath.

“Mia, you’re nearly 20 minutes late,” Mr. Simon answered.

“I know I’m late,” Mia explained still trying to catch her breath. “It’s Pastor Peabody’s fault.”

Mr. Simon crinkled his forehead in confusion. “Peabody’s fault? He was just here and he didn’t say anything about making you late.”

“No, it’s because of his sermon this weekend,” Mia said talking quickly. She was eager to explain her lateness.

“His sermon?” Mr. Simon asked.

“Yes, I’ve been thinking about it all week. He read 1 Corinthians 10:24 and told us to think about others instead of ourselves.”

“Yes, I remember,” Mr. Simon answered.

“As I was walking here for my interview, I passed Logan. He was sitting on the school swing and, well, he was crying,” Mia explained.

“I see,” Mr. Simon answered, his voice softening.

“I wanted to ignore his tears, but then I remembered the sermon. Mr. Simon, Logan needed a friend.” Mia said finally slowing down and catching her breath.

“I see,” Mr. Simon said, understanding. “You stopped to help him and that’s why you’re late.”

“Yes, so please Mr. Simon,” Mia implored. “Please don’t hang the sign back out in the window. I know you told me not to be late, but please give me another chance.”

Mr. Simon set the sign back on the counter. “Mia, you’re hired.”

Mia wasn’t sure that she heard him right. “I’m hired?” she asked. “Even without an interview?”

“Yes Mia,” Mr. Simon answered with a smile. He scratched Gadget behind the ears and added “Mia, because you put Logan’s needs ahead of your own, I know that you’ll always take good care of Gadget.”

Gadget barked as if in agreement.

“Oh thank you Mr. Simon,” Mia said smiling. “I won’t let you down. Now, come on, Gadget, let’s go for our first walk!”

 

“Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being.” - 1 Corinthians 10:24

Hear this story here and exercise your faith!