Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Green (10/22/09)
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TITLE: The Green Eyed Monster | Previous Challenge Entry
By Mary Dreisbach
10/27/09 -
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Sarah didn’t like riding the bus, she opted to walk the mile, using that time talking with God and preparing for the day ahead. Today though, something bothered her. Mandy, a classmate and friend had been chosen as Student Counsel President, a job Sarah was vying for too. As much as she wanted to be happy for her friend, she could not.
Sarah couldn’t understand how Mandy had won. She was not popular, pretty, or very fashionable. This was obvious in the clothes she wore. Thrift shop finds to be sure. But Mandy was smart, much smarter than Sarah, and as Sarah walked to school this morning the green eyed monster began its attack.
By the time Sarah reached school, jealousy was in full bloom. She saw Mandy in homeroom, but instead of saying hello, she turned her head and walked right by. At lunch Sarah saw a seat open next to Mandy, but instead of taking it, went and sat with a group of girls who Sarah knew did not like Mandy.
Sarah felt herself becoming angrier and angrier. The green eyed monster had moved in for the kill. Completely self absorbed, she left school that day without as much as a smile or word towards Mandy.
Nearing home, Sarah saw smoke. It seemed to be coming from the next block. Sarah sprinted to the smoky location. She stopped dead in her tracks realizing it was Mandy’s house up in flames.
Waves of guilt washed over Sarah. “I’m so sorry God” she cried. “What have I done?”
There were no fire trucks there yet. Had anybody called? Sarah quickly whipped out her cell phone, calling 911. She told the operator the address and waited.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Mandy running towards her. She could see panic written over her face. The fire engines arrived just as Mandy came running. Out of breath, she relayed to the firemen that her mother and brother were inside.
The firemen battled through the blaze till they were inside. Outside, Sarah went over to a horrified Mandy and put her arm around her. Mandy broke into sobs on Sarah’s shoulder.
“I can’t believe this is happening” Mandy choked through her tears.
“I’m so sorry Mandy, I’ll stay with you.” Sarah held Mandy, sending up prayers of protection to God.
The guilt in Sarah’s heart intensified, she asked God to please forgive her for giving in to her jealous feelings and pleaded with Him to save Mandy’s family. Sarah realized that holding her loss against Mandy was wrong and vowed as soon as this ordeal was over, to apologize.
A scream interrupted Sarah’s prayers. It sounded like Mandy’s mother.
“They’re in here!” a fireman yelled.
Sprays of water saturated the two girls as they waited. Flames poured out every window and creaky, cracking sounds were heard.
One of the men holding a hose yelled, “Get out now, the house is collapsing!”
Before another word could be said, the firemen emerged with Mandy’s Mom and brother in tow. Mandy ran to them, though they were charred black and coughing, everyone seemed OK.
Sarah watched in awe. “Thank you, thank you God, Oh, thank you!”
The firemen eventually put the fire out, the house was destroyed. Sarah told Mandy’s Mom that they could come stay at her house. So grateful, they couldn’t stop thanking Sarah and her family. Mandy sang Sarah’s praises at school, touting her as a hero.
After the smoke had cleared, so to speak, Sarah remembered her promise to God to apologize for her green eyed monster attack. As Sarah and Mandy walked home from school, Sarah apologized for her actions towards Mandy the day of the fire.
Mandy’s response turned Sarah’s green eyes back to their usual warm soft brown. Mandy said “Sarah, I forgive you. We all struggle with envy, but your true heart shined through the day of the fire. If it wasn’t for your quick thinking, I wouldn’t have my family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. As far as I am concerned we are friends forever.”
Sarah’s heart swelled with love and humility, silently thanking God for showing her what is truly important. The girls walked the rest of the way home chatting away, thankful for the friendship they had in each other.
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