Manila Girl

Sonia, a six-year old with sparkling eyes, went up to her much older look-alike, Lola Cely, 66. The well-dressed lady was busy cleaning her jewelry.

Sonia: May I borrow your earrings, Lola Cely? The biggest ones!

Lola Cely: You’re too young to wear big earrings.

Sonia: My new classmate from Manila is wearing the longest earrings I’ve ever seen! I want to look like her.

Lola Cely: You know, when I was small, I was also envious –

Sonia: I am not envious!

Lola Cely (remembering): I envied Teo’s five Lolas very much. They all studied in Manila and whenever they came home at harvest time, they would be wearing the latest fashion. Not only were they rich, they were all beautiful, too! So I snubbed them.

Sonia (feeling guilty for snubbing the Manila girl): You’re also beautiful, Lola!

Lola Cely: But they were so nice. They invited me to their farm. There I realized they were no different from me – they liked the same games and fruits that I liked, and we became really good friends. Up to now, we’re BFF – is that how you call it?

Sonia: Yes, po! Um, you know, Lola, I want my new classmate to be, um, my friend, to…

Lola Cely (hugging Sonia): Outward appearance is not as important as what you are inside, Apo.

Sonia’s eyes sparkled even more.

Lola Cely: God loves you just the way you are.

* * *

Prayer:

I sometimes feel envious of my friends and classmates, Lord. I also want the good things they have. Please take away this awful feeling from my heart. Amen.

Memory verse:

“Anger is cruel. It destroys like a flood. But who can put up with jealousy!” Proverbs 27:4

“Quiet Time with Mateo – 52 Weekly Devotions for Children” is published by OMF Literature, Inc. and available at leading bookstores.