“The
Pumpkin That Shared Its Light”
Once upon a
golden autumn morning, a small pumpkin sat quietly at the edge of the patch. It
had watched the other pumpkins being chosen for pies, decorations, and
lanterns, but no one seemed to notice it. The little pumpkin wondered if it had
any purpose at all.
Then one
crisp Sunday, the children from the church came to the farm. They laughed and
sang as they picked pumpkins for their Sunday School lesson. When they reached
the end of the row, one child pointed and said, “Let’s take that one — it looks
like it’s smiling!”
The pumpkin
was carried to the classroom, where the teacher spoke about how God gives each
of us a light to share. She carved a heart on its side and placed a candle
inside. When the flame flickered, the pumpkin glowed so warmly that the whole
room seemed brighter.
The children
gathered around and whispered, “It’s shining!” The pumpkin realized that its
light wasn’t meant to stay hidden in the patch — it was meant to shine for
others. From that day on, it became a symbol of kindness and joy.
Each Sunday,
the teacher lit the candle again and reminded the children: “Let your light
so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father
which is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
And the
little pumpkin smiled, knowing that even the smallest light can make a big
difference when it shines for God.
© 2026 Susan Barker Nikitenko — All Rights Reserved.
