Penny methodically crossed the yard, one slow step after another. Her brother Evan and the other children raced off toward the lake.

            “You’re so slow, Penny. You’re Pokey Penny,” Rosalia taunted as she raced by, making a face at her.

            Penny bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling. She went as fast as she could, but her braced legs weren’t straight and strong like the other children’s.

            As she made her way down the hill by the stream, a muffled sound caught her attention. She strained to listen over the sound of the bubbling stream. There it was again. A feeble cry. She moved closer to the water to find a tiny kitten trapped between the rocks. Her heart squeezed. The poor thing. She glanced down the hill. None of the others were in earshot. They’d all raced right past and missed the kitten.

            Penny crouched down awkwardly and lifted the kitten from its we rocky prison. It trembled against her and she drew it close, allowing her body heat to warm it. Holding inside her shirt, she made her way over to her neighbor’s house. Mrs. Allstead’s cat had kittens recently.  This must be one of hers. She knocked on the door.

            Within a few moments, Mrs. Allstead’s face appeared behind the door. “Why hello, Penny.” She gave her a bright smile. “How are you today?”

            Wordlessly, Penny drew the gray ball of fluff from her shirt and presented it to Mrs. Allstead.

            “Oh, you found her!” Mrs. Allstead exclaimed. “I’d just about given up hope. I’d asked Evan to look for her earlier and he found no trace of her. Where was she?”

            “Down by the stream, trapped between some rocks.” Penny stroked the kitten’s fur. “Will she be OK?”

            “Let’s give her back to her mama,” Mrs. Allstead said. Then we’ll know.”

            Penny handed the kitten to Mrs. Allstead, who carried her across the room to a corner where the mother cat lay on a cushion. The kitten immediately snuggled up close to her mother and began feeding.

            Mrs. Allstead beamed at Penny. “She’d been gone since early yesterday. If you hadn’t brought her back when you did, she would have starved. You saved her life.”

            A rush of pride filled Penny.

            “How did you manage to find her when no one else could?” Mrs. Allstead asked. “Your brother spent a few hours yesterday looking for her.”

            “Evan runs everywhere he goes. Just now, he ran right past her.”

            Mrs. Allstead’s gaze fell on Penny’s braces. “You’re not so fast.”

            Penny dropped her gaze. “No.”

            “But don’t you see, child? The fast children didn’t find her. Because you didn’t go running past, you saved her life.” Mrs. Allstead’s eyes were warm and kind. “She needs to stay with her mommy for a few more weeks, but afterwards, would you like to take her home with you? I think you’re just the kind of girl she needs.”

Romans 12: 6-8

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

God, You made us all different. We’re not all fast, or athletic, or strong. We’re not all beautiful, but that doesn’t make us any less in your sight. You designed us all in exactly the right way to do what You have for us to do. Thank you for the hidden gifts: the things that we may see as liabilities which actually help bring others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.