Crossed Roads

He tried his best. He studied hard at the local public school, worked hard at his take away job and did his best doing his chores. Each day he gave respect to friends, family, girls and strangers, more so than they probably deserved. Each day he did for others what no one else would do. He gave everything for everyone. And each night he prayed the same prayers.

She usually woke up in someone else’s bed. She partied hard and played hard, each night till each morning. She cheated to get her degree, slept her way to a top job and used her boyfriend to get a new car. She had the money, people at her fingertips and fun every day of the week. She enjoyed life and life enjoyed her.

Each night was the same; same prayer, same echo. Nothing came his way, but rather everything seemed to drift away. Each day he tried his best. He tried to give respect but only abuse came his way. He was the best employee at work, but got laid off for another person. Each night he prayed, but the situations only seemed to go in the opposite direction. He found no joy in the path, and received nothing but dirt for his effort. The days were taking their toll.

Each day was the same. Out of bed, out the door and back to home. She had it all, and then some. She knew how to work the system, how to do nothing and yet get everything. But there were times, when she was alone, to think, that she felt like she had nothing. Emptiness lingered. She could postpone the feeling by spending money, sleeping around and enjoying her time at the expense of others. But when those subsided, the emptiness crawled back.

He looked at the others. Their prayers were answered, yet they did not even pray. He could not get even one thing to go his way, yet they were able to get it all. He lost hope, it slowly drifted away. He now hated his fruitless toils and unanswered nights. He felt there was nothing but injustice and silence in keeping to the path. No matter how hard he tried and pleaded, things continued to spiral. So he decided, tomorrow he would cast off his faith, lose the needless pain and put his hope in a new world.

She looked at them. They were nothing like her. They had no beauty like her, the girls had crooked teeth and the guys were short and skinny. No one respected them and they were constantly ridiculed. And as she watched them, she gained a new perspective. She now hated what she had and her silent nights. She felt empty, agitated and sadness in the way she lived. So she decided, tomorrow she would cast off her old life, look to a greater purpose and put her hope in God.