2008 Writing Contest
Posted by Danielle Bean in News on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 1:14 PM
Reminder to all teachers, students, and parents—the 2008 Faith & Family Writing Contest is now underway! Kids in grades 3-8 are eligible to enter.
This year’s essay topic is: “What does the pope expect from young people in America today?”
See here for entry instructions and other details.
Last year’s essay topic was: “Caught Being Good.”
Third grader Matthew Sweer of Conway, Arkansas won first place in the lower grade category. Here’s his prize winning essay:
“An upright man gives thought to his ways”—Proverbs 21:29
This verse reminds me of a recent incident that occurred when my mother and I went to the grocery store. We were inside for about 45 minutes and came out with several bags of groceries. As we were loading the groceries into the car we found a note on the windshield. The note said, “I bumped into your car. It is on the driver-side rear bumper,” and gave the gentleman’s name and phone number. My mother and I hadn’t even noticed it, but looked at it and then called the man to thank him for leaving the note. My mother did not think it looked bad and told the man so. He then told her that it was worse than what she saw. When he had hit it the whole bumper had gone in and then popped back out. He told my mother to get an estimate and mail it to him and he would pay it.
On the way home, my mother talked to me about the incident. She told me that you really had to admire and respect the gentleman. When I asked why, she said, “He’s acting like Christ. It’s hard to be honest, but especially when you know it will cost you money. This gentleman is being honest and respectful by owning up to what he did and wanting to do right.”
When we got home, my father was able to do some stuff to the car, so the wreck was not as bad. He said because the man was honest, we wanted to keep what he had to pay for to a minimum. My father got an estimate and called the man. The man mailed the check the next day, no questions asked. Our car is now fixed, but the lesson the man taught me will remain with me throughout life. He acted like Christ, even though it had to be hard knowing this would cost him money. He could have easily snuck away and not left a note. He was honest and nice on the phone to both of my parents, apologizing and taking ownership for the accident. It made an impression on me and I will carry that lesson throughout my life, knowing I need to be honest in all things because Christ would have been and because of a lesson taught to me by an honest stranger.
This year, you, your child, or your student could be the winner of our $250 first place prize. But only if you enter!
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