Title: The Garden of Avidya
In the heart of the quaint village of Shalem, where olive trees swayed gently in the breezes of spring, lived two beautiful Hebrew ladies: Miriam and Aliza. Both were renowned for their exquisite gardens that flourished with vibrant blooms, each blooming more splendidly than the last. But, as it often happens in small towns, envy stirred beneath their amicable façade.
Miriam, with her long auburn hair cascading down her back, was known for her roses. Visitors would travel from afar to gaze upon her sprawling rosebushes, each petal gleaming a different shade, embodying the very essence of nature’s beauty. Aliza, a brunette whose laughter danced through the streets, took pride in her lavender fields that pulsed with color and sweet perfume. Yet, hidden behind her cheerful smile was a growing inferno of envy towards Miriam's illustrious garden.
One sunny afternoon, as Aliza tended to her plants, she couldn’t help but overhear the townsfolk lavishing praises on Miriam's roses. “Oh, they are as splendid as the sun!” one villager exclaimed. Aliza, feeling the heat of envy rise within her, snapped her garden shears too forcefully, accidentally severing a budding lavender sprout. That day, the spirit of envy whispered dark thoughts into her mind.
“Why should she receive all the admiration?” she murmured to herself. “My lavender is equally splendid in its own way.” As the sun set, the shadows of accusation and bitterness began to loom larger.
In her wrath, Aliza concocted a plan to sabotage Miriam's roses. The next morning, she mixed a potent herbicide into a small vial and set off for Miriam's garden under the pretense of borrowing gardening tools. As Miriam greeted her with warmth, Aliza fought to keep the wickedness from her eyes.
Just as Aliza approached the rosebush, ready to spill the contents of her vial, a gentle yet firm voice resonated within her heart. It reminded her of the wisdom found in Proverbs 14:30 (KJV), “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” A rush of guilt swept over her as she envisioned the destruction she was about to unleash.
“Aliza?” Miriam’s sweet voice broke through her reverie. “What troubles you?”
Looking into Miriam’s caring eyes, Aliza felt the weight of her envy dissipate, replaced with the warmth of sisterhood. She realized that her strife had only brought her anguish and darkness. Instead of sabotaging her friend, she desired unity and joy for both their gardens.
“Nothing, dear Miriam,” Aliza proclaimed, hiding the vial behind her back. “I just came by to say how splendid your garden looks today.”
Miriam’s face brightened. “Thank you! Would you like to help me with my roses? I could use an extra pair of hands.”
In that small moment of choice, Aliza decided to embrace the love of friendship over the bitterness of jealousy. She put away the vial and joined Miriam in tending to the roses. Together, their laughter mingled with the scents of the roses and lavender, creating a bond stronger than that of envy.
Scriptural Reflection:
Looking back at Aliza’s turmoil, the Proverbs provided clarity. Envy, indeed, can rot the bones and lead us to acts of strife that we later regret. Had Aliza sought the counsel of Philippians 2:3 (KJV), “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves,” she could have found a path to resolve her jealousy long before it festered.
By choosing to embrace community and celebrate each other’s gifts, instead of fostering strife through envy, both women could have cultivated a flourishing friendship, much like their gardens. Aliza’s hearts softened, realizing that true beauty blooms in the spirit of generosity and love—an everlasting garden, vibrant and abundant. And together, they would nurture not only their gardens but their bond, a testament to overcoming envy with unity and grace.