Jul 2026_Secret Helper

(One) Park Min-suk / Korea
Reading this story made me realize that I have not shown my husband enough appreciation. Whenever I come home a little late or have to hurry out to be somewhere on time, he often takes care of the housework—doing the dishes and laundry, taking out the trash, and more. From now on, I should make a point of thanking him more often. Thank you, my secret helper!

(Two) Kim Eun-ja / Korea
Reading about the youngest child in this essay reminded me of my own childhood. I remember wanting to help my mother, who had to take care of everything while my father was ill, so I lit a fire in the agungi (a traditional Korean cooking hearth) and made rice. At the time, I could not tell regular rice from glutinous rice, so I ended up using glutinous rice by mistake. I knew my father did not like rice that was too soft, so I was worried, but my mother said, “It's okay. We’ll just mix it with something.” Her words reassured me, and remembering that moment warmed my heart all over again.

(Three) Kim Tae-seo / Korea
This story deeply touched my heart. I could just picture the child diligently washing the dishes for her mother, her little lips pursed in determination. It was such an endearing image. Looking back, even when I did the dishes to help my mother, I often complained—or sometimes did not do them at all. Reflecting on how my lack of diligence in small things may have caused me to become spiritual stagnant, I now want to become a child who willingly does even the smallest tasks and brings joy to Mother.