We often find our greatest joys in the sacrifice we make for others; especially when that other is a tired and care-worn mother.

Easter Eve was fast approaching. Hester could scarcely wait for the day to come, for she was in the class that had been asked to decorate the church for the Easter services. And then, Marian had invited the little helpers to tea with her afterwards.

Saturday, the anxiously expected day, arrived at last. Hester was up bright and early. There were many things to do before going to the church, for her mother gave her certain duties to perform each day.

On entering her mother’s room she was distressed to see a very tired, care-worn expression on the sweet face.

“Why, mother, what is the trouble?” asked the little girl.

“Trouble enough, child,” answered her mother. “Here are all those guests invited, telephone and door bell to answer, and Elsie with a sick baby wants to go home directly after dinner to be with her. But I just don’t see how I can spare her. If only Agatha would help me, but she has her practicing. Oh, dear! I just don’t know what to do!”

Hester did not answer. She walked across the room and looked out of the window. From across the hall came the sweet sound of her sister’s voice as she practiced her Easter anthems. Agatha’s voice was beautiful. Hester stood listening with a very thoughtful expression on her young face. Suddenly she turned and came up to where her mother was standing and said:

“Couldn’t I stay, mother, and answer the door bell and do other things? I feel sure I could, and then Elsie could go home to her baby.”

“Why, child, of course you could; but I thought you were to help decorate, and then Marian has invited you to her house this afternoon, hasn’t she?”

“Yes, mother, but I can give that up, and think how happy Elsie will be. May I run and tell her, mother?”

“You are a dear little girl,” answered her mother. “I thought your heart was set on that Easter decorating. Yes—run along; I am sure Elsie will be grateful.”

Elsie was very grateful indeed, and went away to her sick baby with a heart full of joy.

The next day at the Easter service all the girls were anxious to know how Hester could have stayed away and missed the party.

“I stayed because mother needed me,” was all the child answered. But when the service was over the minister called her to him. In his hand he held a lily. He handed it to her, saying: “This flower, little girl, is for you—a token from the Master. You are like Him in giving up your own desires for the sake of others.”