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The Reluctant Rival

Album: Gold Audio 07: On Thin Ice

Episode: 96

Lesson/Theme: Treating others better than yourself.

Bible Verse: Matthew 5:43-48; Philippians 2:3-4

Characters: Connie, Whit

Writer: Paul McCusker

Sound Designer: Bob Luttrell

Original Air Date: December 9, 1989

Last Air Date: May 15, 2008

Description:
Whit's daughter, Jana, and her kids, Monty and Jenny, have come to town for the holidays. There is always some tension when Jana is around, and this visit is no exception. But this time, the tension centers on Jenny, and for an unusual reason: She is a gifted child. When it comes to brains, Jenny Whittaker-Dowd could give Eugene Meltsner a run for his money. Unfortunately, Jenny's gifts cause big problems when she plays her violin for Mr. Bryant, conductor of Odyssey's Children's Orchestra. He promptly gives Jenny a solo in the upcoming Christmas program-a solo that young Sandra has been working to get all year. When Sandra's mother hears about this, she's naturally frustrated and accuses Mr. Bryant of playing favorites-giving the solo to Jenny just because she's Whit's granddaughter. Mr. Bryant's solution is to hold an audition for the solo. Sandra and her friend run into Jenny downtown and are mean to her. Jenny tries to hide her hurt, but the tears finally come. She can't understand why people dislike her just because she's smart and talented. The day of the audition arrives. Sandra does well. Then Jenny plays . . . and royally botches up the piece. Mr. Bryant has no choice but to give the solo to Sandra. Later, at Whit's End, Jana asks Jenny why she performed so badly. Jenny says that getting to perform the solo is not worth hurting Sandra's and her mother's happiness. Whit and Jana couldn't be more proud. Somewhere beneath Jenny's brilliant I.Q. is an equally brilliant heart.

Questions:
Why did Sandra assume that she already had the violin solo? Should she have made that assumption? Explain. What do you think is worth more: hard work or natural talent? Is one better than the other? Explain. Did Jenny do the right thing by purposefully playing badly so Sandra could win? Would you consider that a deception or a gracious act? Explain your answers.