Every Sunday, Mrs Lamb went to the church to attend the service. She had put a few pennies into the offering plate before she left.
She earned her living as a housekeeper at the Hudson Manor. The Hudsons kept aloof from everyone in the village. But they were good to Mrs Lamb and paid her on time. Mrs Lamb had an eighteen-year-old son, Richard, in school. She wanted him to work later in a good job. That was Mrs Lamb’s dream.
During the holidays, Richard helped out with the work. One day, he went with her to Hudson Manor. He was drinking a cup of tea in the kitchen, when Mrs Hudson came in.
Seeing Richard there, she asked, “Oh, is this the new gardener?”
Richard stood up and said, “Yes, ma’am.”
That evening, Mrs Lamb was surprised and worried when Richard told her that he had a holiday job as the gardener’s help at the Manor.
So every morning, Mrs Lamb and Richard went to Hudson Manor to work. Mrs Hudson learnt that Richard was Mrs Lamb’s son. Mrs Lamb saw tears in her eyes.
Mrs Hudson always asked about Richard after that day. On Sunday, Mr and Mrs Hudson asked Richard if he could drive them to a neighbouring town for a visit.
“May I come after the church service, ma’am?” asked Richard, “I’d like to attend that with Mum.”
Mrs Hudson agreed. After returning from the visit, Mr and Mrs Hudson called Mrs Lamb into the study. She went in, anxious about Richard. Was he in trouble? Were they angry with him?
“Please sit, Mrs Lamb,” said Mr Hudson.
Surprised, she sat on the edge of a chair and looked at both of them questioningly.
“Mrs Lamb, I must tell you something,” said Mr Hudson, “We had a son. His name was also Richard. He was a pilot and died in a war. When we saw your son, it brought back so many memories. So, we want to ask you if you will permit us to educate him, please. It will give us so much pleasure that can’t be explained in words.”
Mrs Lamb was shocked at the offer. “Will he have to leave me and live here, sir?” she asked.
“No!” replied Mrs Hudson promptly, “He’s such a good boy. We just want to share him with you. It’s our way of offering our thanks to God for having given us good people like you and Richard in our life!”
Mrs Lamb agreed with tears pouring down her cheeks. What an offering!
Moral: Value real goodness when you see it.
