Very odd question?
These photos have their own unique qualities.
The top ones- peaceful, calm, tranquil.
The bottom ones – exciting , dangerous, vigorous.
Which one has a greater appeal to you? There is no right or wrong answer. It is what it is.
The photos might represent our stories as well.
Peaceful,tranquil, no waves, (obedient).
Wild, crazy, crashing (disobedient).
Both stories can be very lonely. The WILD story may come to the realization she is in deep need of love. Her crazy life is dynamically filled with loose threads attached to nowhere. Her emptiness causes a realization. It is the need to search for a true love which will meet her every want. She recognizes the reality of God’s grace as she runs into His arms.
The TRANQUIL story has a deep unknown need, even to herself. It has no label until it is made known to her. Her need is just as deep as one in the WILD story.
Following is a slightly adjusted modern day parable of the Prodigal Son. With whom do you best identify?
A single mother with two daughters. Father passed away years ago. Mother comes from a prestigious law firm family who gladly welcomed her back to her per-marital position. Finances were no problem. Mother loved her daughters very much. Work never comes before the needs of her girls though. She is a good example of love, strength, peace joy.
Sara the elder daughter is the “good girl”. When her father died, she had many questions. She had deep pain. Sara saw her mother cry. As Sara put her arm around Mother, it brought comfort, made Mother feel better. So instead of talking about her own pain, Sara would listen. Sara would do the household jobs asked of her the first time. That would bring smiles from everyone. This covered over questions, pain inside Sara. Value came by listening and receiving the “good girl” smiles from everyone. Everyone except the person in the mirror.
Sidney is the youngest daughter. Her wild side made people know she was not happy when her father died. She cried long and hard. Who cared if her jobs got done? Mother had long talks with Sidney about life – drugs, smoking , boys and sex. (the consequences on your body , heart and soul when you act as if you don’t care). Sidney didn’t care. The pain in her heart was deep. She was going to cover it somehow. Besides, these things were fun.
Sara and Sidney knew their father set aside money in a trust fund. This was to help pay for continuing higher education or starting a business. The money was to be withdrawn for that specific need and age. Not before.
As a “good girl” wanting to please, this was fine with Sara. Not the one to make waves because it always made people smile Sara went along with this choice for her life. She lived at home. Classes were taken at the state university. Upon finishing her B.A., Sara pursued pre- law. Did she really want to be a lawyer? It made her mom smile with the news. Every one around Sara said she was a good listener.
Sidney barely finished high school. After one year at the local technical school, taking a few business classes, she said “FORGET THIS MESS.” Sidney went to Mother and demanded her trust fund half. No way was she going to stay in this town. It is too boring.
In pain, Mother went to the bank. With open hands, and open heart, she gave the funds over to Sidney. Sidney’s present boyfriend was in the car. Without even a kiss goodbye, Sidney drove off.
Sara looked out the second story window watching the car tear down the driveway. She c0uld hear the laughter sailing from the top down convertible. Two care free people sailing off to their adventure. Sadness crossed Sara’s mind. A very small seed entered her heart. This seed was so tiny, Sara would not dare to claim it existed. It would put a crimp on her “good girl ” label. The seed was a combination of two deadly sins to a “good girl’s” life. Envy and bitterness.
Sara did not allow any recognition of these feelings. Instead, her primary thoughts, her need was to seek out Mother. How could Sara comfort Mother? Sara would do what “good girls ” always do. Forget they feel inside to meet the needs of others.
This is part one of the story. Sidney goes out to have fun. Sara stays. Both make choices. Who do you identify with?
The tranquil waters are obedient. But REALLY?
Is she any different than the raging waters?
Have either one yet come to terms with their father’s death?
Can you identify at all with Sara? What is she lacking?
Feel free to leave comments or questions.
Ideas were taken from grace for the GOOD GIRL by Emily P. Freeman. Thank you so much
Oh this is a good beginning! I can’t wait to read the next couple and see you bring these characters to life. I definitely identify with the wild one (I mean… that’s probably pretty obvious) but interestingly enough, used to feel like the Sara. I think the challenge is to not let the envy of those who are more wild drive you to become like them.