Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: CLUE (09/06/18)
-
TITLE: The Big Picture | Previous Challenge Entry
By Vicki GRECH
09/10/18 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
"Why, what's happened this time?" Marg was to the point of sheer boredom listening to her friend whinge and complain almost constantly about her daughter's behaviour. She had believed that if Betty would just "listen" rather than simply hear what her daughter was saying, their relationship would improve immensely.
On many occasions Marg had offered sound advice for Betty about how nagging frustrated her daughter only to have it fall on deaf ears.
"I wonder Marg if you really ever listen to me, I've been telling you for months about how lazy she is and won't help me around the house", she replied sharply. Before Marg could even get a chance to respond Betty continued rattling off for another good fifteen minutes.
"You know Betty, the trouble is I DO listen, but you don't see the big picture here". "She is sixteen, she does a load of chores before and after school, and on weekends, doing homework and trying to be with her friends in between time". "How can you say she doesn't help you around the house and she is lazy and inconsiderate".
"You don't understand Marg, I just wish she would offer to help me rather than me having to ask her all the time", she replied. "Alright, so she does those chores, but I have to ASK her each time", she continued.
"Betty, listen to me for a change rather than rattling off at me okay". "Even Jesus taught us not to frustrate our children and cause them wrath, you frustrate Elsa to no end". "No matter what she does or how hard she tries it's not enough for you,". "Isn't it simply praiseworthy that she does her chores without complaining like most other kids do?", she asked.
After a long pause Betty considered what Marg had said and began to reflect on her words and those of Jesus' that she had recited. She also remembered and began to reflect upon a news story she had heard a few months back. It was about a mother who wrote an article about her son and how she had forever complained about him coming into the house with dirty shoes. One day, her son did not come home, he had been hit and killed by a car walking home from school. In her story and with a heavy heart , she said she had realised how insignificant clean floors were compared to the loss of her son. Some of her comments included such things as; "I would trade muddy filthy floors any day just to hug my son once more and have him still with us".
Another comment Betty profoundly remembered reading was; "his messy room, never unpacking his bag, leaving all his dishes on the table, how insignificant I found these things after his death".
"You know Marg, I've been so self absorbed lately I haven't even realised just how much Elsa does do, I feel so ashamed right now". "She does do a lot I suppose, it just seems like she never offers to help", she continued.
Extending a hand to Betty's shoulder and in a compassionate and soft voice, Marge said, "it's all good honey, most of us are just so busy these days". "Everyone is guilty time-to-time of remembering more-so the things people don't do, rather than the things they do do".
Looking sheepishly and having a chuckle at herself, she turned to her friend saying, "I guess I am expecting too much for any child to come and offer to do chores". "Thanks Marge, you're right, I am too busy listening to myself whinge I'm not really listening to anyone else". "And Jesus is right too, I should not frustrate Elsa with my constant nagging and unappreciative behaviour, but rather embrace every precious moment I have with her".
Betty continued, "you're so wise Marg, what would I do without you".
Looking at one another warmly, they rose from the table and embraced.
"I am not really wise Betty, I often consult Jesus teachings for advice about how to deal with the kids". The truth is, "I don't have a clue most times, but Jesus knew!"
*** Non-fiction, names have been changed to protect identities ***
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Nicely done,
Blessings~