Just down the road, at the bottom of Serenity Mountain, lies a little town called Charity. It is a peaceful place where animals live in harmony and help one another. Wooly and his friends often trot down for special celebrations, especially the annual Festival of Giving. Each year, Mayor Maple chooses one animal to receive the coveted Charity Award given to someone who goes above and beyond to make the town a better place to live. Wooly has never won the Charity Award at the festival, but he is hopeful that this will be the year he catches Mayor Maple’s eye.
Before the sun peeked over the horizon, Wooly was racing about, getting things ready for the trip to the festival. “Granny Ewe, is it time yet? I’m so excited to go to the festival today. I can’t wait. Let’s go, Granny!” She smiled and sweetly said, “Almost, my dear. I just have to get the muffins out of the oven. You need a good breakfast before the busy day begins.” Granny had been the one to care for Wooly and his sister after their parents tragically died last year. “Lacey and Wooly, time to eat,” she called out.
As they headed out the door, Wooly gathered Lacey’s things and offered to carry them for her. Lacey adored her brother, who was just a year older, but was always looking out for her, keeping her safe and helping whenever possible. “Thank you, Wooly,” Lacey said, with the softest, sweetest voice you’ve ever heard. As they made their way down the mountain, Wooly kept racing ahead. “Slow down, Wooly,” Granny insisted, “The festival doesn’t start for another two hours, my dear.” Meanwhile, Lacey just strolled along, humming her favorite tune, “Jesus Loves Me,” that her mom taught her when she was a baby. Singing the tune somehow helped her feel closer to her.
By the time they arrived in Charity, they could hear the joyful music playing and smell the baked goods being prepared for the festival. “Mmmmm, I can’t wait to have some of those chocolate chip cookies,” Lacey said with a beaming grin. Wooly made a mental note to grab his sister some cookies as soon as they were ready. Just as he was finishing that thought, he noticed Tilda the turtle trying to carry a large pan of bread to her bread stand. “Let me help you with that, Ms. Tilda,” he said. “Oh, how very kind of you, young man! Thank you!”
During the festival, all the animals from Charity and the surrounding towns were enjoying each other’s company, chatting, singing, dancing, and engaging in various activities, while also eating their fill of the delicious food and snacks from the numerous vendors. Wooly, Lacey, and all their friends were playing games and having fun together. Just then, dark clouds rolled in, and the wind began to blow around all the displays. Wooly rushed to help Rascal the Raccoon as he struggled to hold down his woodworking tent. After helping him secure his belongings, Wooly noticed Mayor Maple’s scarf floating through the air. “Got it,” he said, “Mayor Maple, here’s your scarf!” Mayor Maple replied, “Thank you, kind sir. Now let’s get to shelter before the rain begins.”
Everyone had made it to the community building to find shelter when suddenly, Lacey said, “Where’s Harry Hedgehog?” Granny replied, “The last time I saw him, he was adjusting the microphone for the awards ceremony.” Eagerly, Wooly announced, “I’ll go find him!” And off he went. It was raining so hard he could hardly see, but just then, he heard someone yell, “Help me!” It was Harry, with his foot stuck between two rocks. “Grab my hand,” said Wooly, “and I’ll pull you up.” Then they both raced back to the building where everyone else was cheering.
After the storm passed, everyone gathered at the town hall for the Festival of Giving Award presentation. Mayor Maple, wearing the scarf that Wooly saved from the storm, stepped up to the podium. “I am pleased to announce that this year, our Charity award goes to Wooly the Lamb! He showed us that he might be a little lamb, but he has a big heart for helping others, and that is what our little town of Charity is all about. Congratulations, Wooly.” Wooly beamed. As the music started again and the crowd danced, Wooly whispered, “Thank You, God, for letting me love big in little ways.”