Theme: Envy

Champions in life

Since childhood, Isabel has always been a very active girl. She liked to turn somersaults, cartwheel and do difficult exercises that no friend could do.

Her mother, seeing that she had a talent for the sport, enrolled her in a gymnastics school. Isabel loved the classes. She paid attention, struggled to get the movements done, and soon progressed a lot.

But, after some time, Isabel seemed discouraged with the training and came home unhappy.

One day, her mother asked:

- What's the matter, Isabel? You enjoyed exercising so much. Don't you like it more?

- That's not it, Mom. I still love it. But it's just that I don't think I'll ever be as good as some of my colleagues.

- Daughter, don't think like that. They must have started before you. If you train hard, you will also be fine.

- But Teresa started after me and is already able to do everything I do. She is super flexible and super strong. She'll be able to pass me soon. I try to do my best. But it’s no use, she’s always better! I don't think I want to go anymore! - Said Isabel, almost crying.

- Honey, if Teresa has a lot of talent, we should be happy for her. Each one has a path written by God. We cannot avoid the opportunities that He has allowed for her - said her mother tenderly - In the same way, whatever God has planned for you, neither she nor anyone else will be able to stop. You don't have to distract your attention by watching her path, you have to focus on your track and doing your best.

To conclude, her mother further recommended:

- Isabel, don't let jealousy put you against her, instead cheer for your friend. That bad feeling would only hurt you both. See her as an inspiration for you. There is no point in competing with Teresa. Try to compete with yourself and overcome your difficulties. Exchange your bad thoughts for good ones. For example, think that, training with Teresa, you can make even more.

Isabel knew that her mother was right. Cultivating Teresa’s envy and thinking about quitting training had been making her ill. So, she was resigned and said with a smile:

- Okay, Mom, I'll try... Even because I couldn't stop practicing gymnastics that I love so much.

And so Isabel continued her routine. On the days of gym classes, she dressed up, pinned up her hair, took her little bottle of water and was happy. She was always on time. She almost never missed classes.

Looking at Teresa with good eyes, Isabel managed to become friends with her. She always praised Teresa and hugged her when she was able to perform a new exercise.

Teresa really had a lot of talent. When the girls participated in the championship, she came in first. Isabel also won a medal, but came in third.

One day, Teresa started skating. The girl liked skating so much that she changed her sport. Isabel still preferred gymnastics and persisted in it, always training and improving. She participated in many championships in her life as an athlete and won many medals, including first place.

Teresa attended many competitions. She cheered a lot for Isabel, shouted enthusiastically and applauded her friend on the podium.

Sometimes Isabel lost. And Teresa was there to hug her too.

Isabel and Teresa had the experiences they chose and, at the same time, God allowed them.

The two friends were champions in the sport, but the important thing is that they were victorious in life too.

Translation:
Larissa Martine - larissa_am@hotmail.com

marcelapradacontato@gmail.com