Today was a very special day at the school of Tom, Hanna, Lukas and Emma – the big school festival was imminent! Stalls were set up all over the schoolyard: a cake sale, a can throwing, a raffle and many other fun activities. The children were excited, because they helped together with mom at the waffle stand.
“I love the smell of fresh waffles!” exclaimed Lukas enthusiastically as they stood behind the counter. Mom smiled. “Then let’s get started! I’ll hand out the dough, and you’ll hand out sugar and napkins, yes?”
Everything went wonderfully. The sun was shining, children were laughing, and the waffles were selling rapidly. But over time, it became more and more stressful. The queue grew longer and longer. Tom tried to keep track of everything, but at some point a child called out impatiently: “My waffle takes forever!”
Hanna began to rub her hands nervously. “I’m sorry, we’re doing our best,” she said kindly. But Mom was also starting to look exhausted.
Emma sighed. “It’s really exhausting. Will we be able to do that?”
Tom looked at his friends and thought. “We can do it! But let’s pause for a moment.” He folded his hands. “Let us pray that we may regain strength and do our ministry with joy.”
The children nodded, and together they said:
“Dear God, please give us patience and joy in helping. Help us to work well together and not to rush each other. Thank you for allowing us to be here and to make others happy. Amen.”
Emma looked surprised. “I would not have thought that prayer could help in such a situation. But now it doesn’t feel so stressful anymore.”
Mom smiled proudly. “It reminds me of Jesus, who helped his disciples provide for others. In the same way, we can give joy today with our small gesture.”
With renewed energy, the friends got to work – and in fact, everything was much easier now. They laughed, helped each other, and soon the queue was not quite so long.
When the school festival came to an end, Lukas leaned contentedly against the waffle stand. “It was so different from what I had thought – exhausting, but also beautiful!”
Hanna nodded. “Because we stuck together!”
Mom looked at her proudly. “And because you did your help with love and trust. I am glad that we experienced this together.”
The friends smiled. Today they had not only handed out waffles – but also learned that solidarity and prayer can work wonders in moments of exhaustion.
Bible passage
A suitable Bible passage on the topic of helping together and cohesion in prayer can be found in Philippians 2:3-4.
Philippians 2:3-4 (Schlachter 2000):
“Do nothing for the sake of self-interest or vain honor, but in humility esteem one another higher than himself. Everyone does not look at his own, but everyone also looks at that of the other.”
These verses emphasize the importance of mutual support and humble help, which is a good fit for a school festival where family and community work together. Praying together can strengthen this spirit of service.
