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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of “A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush” (without using the actual phrase or literal example). (01/10/08)
Andrea was in her room, trying to reason with herself. Her inward voice was telling her to stop, look and listen. She knew that she should heed that voice, the one of reason. But there was another side of her that loved risks, and wondered what would happen if she just threw caution to the wind and followed her whimsical desire. After all, didn’t she just read in Scripture that “He will give you the desires of your heart?” So, if she had the desire…

Looking back, she knew that a habit had formed in her life, not a good one. She had learned how to justify anything she wanted to do, no matter what the cost, or how it affected other people. In this moment of reflection she knew that she needed to forsake her selfish ways. But knowing what you need to do and actually following through and doing it was another thing altogether.

It all started when she met Stan. He was a new student that the dean was allowing to audit a class. The first day he arrived, he made quite an entrance. He looked her way, winking boldly. She tilted her head, pretending to read, as if she hadn’t noticed. But notice she did, with heart racing. Stan was what she would call a “free spirit.” He didn’t seem to have a care in the world.

Barry was her first love, her one and only. He was established, stable – a Christian. His career as a veterinarian was going great. She had one more year of nursing school before beginning the profession she had chosen long ago. Barry had always been there for her. He was the one who would stay up till midnight and beyond helping her cram for exams. Many times the cramming came because of her waiting till the last minute to truly study…again, a result of her following her whims instead of using self discipline.

Andrea learned that Stan had asked Laura for her phone number on his second day. It seems he was the wealthy son of one of the most prominent citizens in town. Laura got excited, telling her all the opportunities this “connection” could bring her way. Andrea’s head was “in the clouds” as she began to imagine life with no financial worries. And the influence that she could have in getting a position with the “right” hospital…the list could go on and on.

This daydreaming went on for a few weeks, along with occasions of having coffee with Stan. Barry called and asked Andrea what was going on since he hadn’t been talking to her every day as was the norm, especially when you are considered “promised.” She avoided meaningful conversation, and told him she had several school projects going, and would let him know when things settled down. As she hung up the phone, a tinge of guilt came as she realized that Barry had never lied to her. He was “good as gold,” and she had deceived and betrayed him.

When Stan walked into class the next day with his usual wink, she felt nauseous. At that moment she realized how many things that money just cannot buy. She knew how selfish she was and that she had been playing with fire. She must put a stop to this today.

After class she told Stan. He said he understood, but insinuated what she would be losing if she didn’t pursue their relationship further. She told him it was nothing personal, but she wouldn’t be losing anything, yet gaining so much more.

That evening Andrea called Barry and apologized for being distant. She let him know she had worked through some issues, and realized now what her priorities were. He told her he had prayed for her and that he had a surprise for her when they got together on the weekend. As she hung up the phone, she thanked God for such a good man and she made a new commitment to Him and to her relationship with Barry. She couldn’t imagine life without either one and never wanted to find out about that. With God’s help, she would follow His leading instead of her own, realizing the blessings right in front of her.

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts in her…she will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:10-12 KJV
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Joanne Sher 
01/19/08
Great detail and description of all that was going on in the MC's head. Good job of illustrating the proverb.I wish you'd filled us in on what the "surprise" was - but I suppose I can guess. ;) Keep writing.
Beckie Stewart
01/20/08
Good writing, and it was good to see someone make the right choice with their life.
Sally Hanan
01/22/08
This story has a lot of information in it but is well written. As a writing exercise, slow down and take a day in this MC's life to go into much more detail--perhaps the day she decides to get rid of Stan. That way you can write in the five senses she experiences as she does so.
Sara Harricharan
01/22/08
Hmmmm, I wonder if that surprise had something to do with a sparkly ring, perhaps? lol! I liked this bit, I wish I'd gotten more into her head though, to see where she was when she struggled with the two choices and how she would stand up to Stan and tell him that she couldn't do this anymore and then her talking to Barry. This is very good. ^_^