Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: First World Problem (04/17/14)
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TITLE: One Man's Treasure~ | Previous Challenge Entry
By C D Swanson
04/20/14 -
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Jared sighed inwardly, it was of no use. He knew the routine. She was on a roll. There was nothing he could do when she was in this mode. He had no choice. “Okay. I’ll take it out to the curb. You don’t want to donate it somewhere? Like Goodwill or something?”
“Nah—why would they want it?—It’s old. Now, about this television set. It’s only thirty-six inches. I think we’re going to ditch this too.”
“Marcy! Seriously? We just bought it two months ago. There’s nothing wrong with it—”
“My sister told me about her brand new movie-size set. Her husband bought it for her birthday.” Marcy’s head tilted as she looked at the living room. With hands on hips, she pivoted toward her husband, “This whole theme is just wrong. We need to update. I can’t concentrate on my life with outdated items. It seems to clutter up my mind.”
“You know what Marcy? I don’t like to say this but you leave me no choice…you’re a spoiled brat.”
Her eyes widened as her mouth popped open, “What did you just say?”
“You heard me. This is ridiculous. You’re very fortunate that I make a six-figure salary, but even so, this is wasteful. You have to stop living in this first world Marcy…there are more pressing issues in life. You need to start thinking about other things.”
She pursed her lips then asked, “What the heck does first world mean?
“It means a relatively trivial or minor problem, or frustration. Something that is in stark contrast with serious problems such as those that may be experienced in the developing world.”
“Humph! Well, you don’t complain when I accompany you to your business dinners. I’m the best looking wife there, and you know it!” She flipped her thick blonde hair, and then crossed her arms. She glared while tapping her foot.
“See that? You even have the stance of a spoiled little brat. Honey, I love you, but you’ve got to cool it. We can’t keep throwing things out because you tire of them.” He picked up the chair, “Now if you’ll excuse me, this barely used chair has a date with the curb outside.”
Jared placed the chair by the curb, and patted it. “Sorry buddy…but my wife is tired of you. I wonder how long it’ll be before she tires of me.”
As Jared made his way up the marble front steps, an old pick-up truck slowly came to a stop beside the chair. Inside were a young husband and his pregnant wife.
“John, do you see what I see? It’s what we’ve been wanting and praying for!” Cindy rubbed her tummy with one hand and grabbed hold of her husband with the other one.
“Oh sweetheart, I see it! I hope it’s free; I’m going to ring the bell to make sure. It looks brand new, maybe it’s a mistake or something.”
“It’s in the street by the curb. Whad’ya think?” Her giggle was like a little girl.
He looked at his wife; he loved her more than two minutes ago. Their love was straight from heaven. “Sweetheart, you’re a funny girl. I’m just going to make sure. Hang on, I’ll be right back.” He leaned in to kiss her full mouth, “I love you fancy-face. Be right back.”
“I love you too.”
John said a silent prayer as he approached the front door. "Lord, I know you’re our sole provider, and you give us what we need. My wife really wants a comfortable chair to sit in at night; you know, her back is hurting real bad since she’s pregnant.”
The Mahogany doors opened before the symphonic chimes stopped. “Hey…um, I just wanted to ask if that chair by the curb is free to take.”
“Yes, it’s free,” he answered, ashamed to admit it was meant for the trash. “You can take it. Do you need a hand getting it into your truck?”
“Thanks. My wife is going to be so happy tonight.”
They loaded the chair onto the truck and shook hands.
“God led us to this street. We needed a chair and TV. Praise God. He provided. I trust He’ll provide the TV…somehow.”
Jared smiled. "Be right back.”
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Great job!
God Bless!
Great, great job!
If I read this correctly, the last line indicates that the young couple were given the TV too. Great contrast showing how sinful greed can be and how the humble are blessed.