Lilly sat down at her usual table in the cafeteria for lunch. Most of her friends were already there talking about something (or probably someone ) in hushed voices. Lilly set down her pizza and pop before leaning into the conversation.
"Did you even see what she was wearing today?" Emily said.
Commonly, Lilly would have immediately asked who they were talking about, but she decided to eat her pizza and not join the conversation. Her friends continued to give their unpleasant opinions about the original person and then moved on to others. Lilly had managed to eat her entire lunch before the conversation was turned to her.
"Lilly, why are you being so quiet? By the way, I noticed your new lip gloss today. That color is good on you, " said Eva.
Olivia, Lilly's best friend, answered immediately. "Lilly's grandma bought her the new Advent lip gloss set we were all talking about last week, but Lilly had to promise not to talk crap about people while she was wearing it."
"You are so lucky your Grandma bought that for you. By the time I got to the store, they were sold out. Anyways, who cares about what you promised your Grandma? It's not like she can hear our conversations. It's not like she is God," replied Eva.
"I know," began Lilly, "But that's the point. I made a promise, and I'll know I didn't keep it, and God will, too."
"Lilly, are you serious right now? Nobody keeps their promises anymore if they are not going to get caught. What are you so worried about, girl?" Emily asked.
"Because when I pray tonight, I'm going to feel embarrassed because I didn't keep my word," Lilly said, feeling stupid. Was she really talking about praying in front of everyone at the table?
"Do you really think God cares if you kept a promise to your Grandma? Look at what's going on in the world. I think God has much bigger problems, " Eva answered.
Lilly suddenly felt an inner urge to speak. "Ya, I'm sure He does, but I also think he cares about me and what's going on in my life. What am I supposed to say, 'Hey God, you know how you made all those people in my school, and you love them all. Well, I don't, and I'm just going to make fun of them because I can't help myself?' That sounds like a dumb prayer to me."
Olivia tried to come to her friend's defense. "That does sound dumb when you say it out loud."
Eva looked at Lilly. "Do you really still pray every night?"
Lilly replied, "Yes, of course I do. Doesn't everyone?"
"Not me," Regan replied. "I don't have the time."
Olivia started laughing. "The girl who knows every person's TikTok post doesn't have time. I wonder why? Ok, let's help Lilly out. How about we agree not to talk about anyone at the lunch table until after Christmas. Agree? There are plenty of other things we could be talking about."
Lilly smiled at Olivia. "Thanks." Olivia smiled back before changing the subject to her Christmas list.
A few days before Christmas, Grandma stopped by the house to make Christmas cookies. "You look pretty today. Lilly." Grandma said when Lilly walked into the kitchen.
"Thanks, Grandma. This is the best color lip gloss so far."
"I think it's more than just your lip gloss," Grandma said with a smile.
"Hey, Grandma, I've been trying really hard to keep your promise about being more kind. But I have to admit that it has been a lot harder than I thought it would be. I've screwed up a few times."
Grandma laughed, "Well, haven't we all. God doesn't expect us to be perfect but is pleased when we try."
"Well, I have been trying Grandma. I even got my friends to try, too. I never would have guessed that lip gloss would make me brave enough to talk about God with my friends." Lilly shook her head, "It probably wasn't the lip gloss at all. I think it had more to do with visiting the Blessed Sacrament and praying. I feel closer to God."
Grandma smiled, and her eyes glistened with held-back tears. "From your lips to my heart, Lilly. You have definitely grown more beautiful this Advent."
-Susan
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