THREE

“What’s for supper?” Stacy asked her mother.

“Spaghetti and meatballs,” Mom said. She pulled out the drawer nearest the table. Knives, forks, and spoons lay neatly inside.

“May I help?” Stacy said.

Mom smiled. “Would you like to set the table?”

“OK!” Stacy always liked helping her mom. She wished she could help even more. Since her dad left, it was just herself and her mom—the two of them. Stacy’s mother worked long hours away from home and was often tired in the evening.

“I’ll clean up the kitchen for you,” Stacy offered. “After we eat.”

“That’s nice of you.” Mom went to check the noodles.

“Is everything under control?” Stacy asked. She watched her mother stir long, skinny noodles.

“They’re getting soft. We’ll eat soon.”

“I love pasta!” Stacy exclaimed.

She meant it, too. Pasta was the best food in the world!

Mom turned to look at her. “That’s why I made it. Just for you.”

Stacy studied her mom. “You’re always so sweet,” she said. “Just like the fruit of the Spirit.”

“Well, I don’t know about that, honey,” Mom said. “Nobody’s perfect.”

“I think you’re pretty close,” she whispered.

Mom reached over and gave her a big hug. “What’s this about the fruit of the Spirit?” Mom asked.

“It’s something the Cul-de-sac Kids are doing.”

“Really?” Mom seemed pleased.

Stacy felt proud. “It was my idea.”

“Tell me more,” Mom said.

“You know about making resolutions, right?” she asked. “Especially around the New Year?”

Mom nodded. “Lots of people do this time of year. But not everyone sticks to goals. That’s the hard part.”

“All my friends have picked a fruit,” Stacy explained. “Straight from the Bible.”

“And what sort of fruit might that be?” Mom was grinning. She already knew. Stacy was sure of it.

“Things like goodness and love . . . peace and joy.” She washed her hands and set the table for two. “I’m picking love,” she said.

“What a wonderful choice,” Mom said.

“I’m gonna try to love everyone I know. With God’s help.” She headed for the living room. She wanted to check on her little dog, Sunday Funnies.

She found him curled up near the comics page of the newspaper. “What’s with you and the funnies?” she asked. “I always know where to find you, don’t I?”

Sunday Funnies barked playfully.

Stacy picked him up. Gently, she carried him into the kitchen. “Time for your supper, puppy dog,” she said.

Sunday Funnies made excited sounds.

“Have patience,” she told him.

“One of the fruits of the Spirit,” Mom added.

“That’s right!” Stacy said. “So . . . some patience, please.”

She poured dog food into his dish. Then she stepped aside. “Now have some joy, too,” she said.

Mom was laughing.

Sunday Funnies was chowing down.

Stacy was eager for spaghetti!