There were two friends. They were similar in many ways. They were both very good runners.
They would get up at 5 each morning and spend time together running.
Running was so wonderful; they both decided to run in a race.
The two friends entered and they tied which was no surprise to any who had known them.
The newspaper wrote about the two friends as they were the fastest runners.
They ran more races.
They always tied.
One friend was happy to run for the fun and friendship.
The other friend secretly cut out each picture and article from the newspaper.
One friend wanted to be better than the other.
she had friends do mean things before meets to her friend.
once – something was put in her water that made her sick
one person tripped the friend. she ran with bruises and a headache.
Her attitude never changed.
She was happy when her friend started winning.
The other friend was bitter and resentful of her friend
The mantra “Winning is everything” filled her heart
The friend loved racing and met others who she could run with for the joy of running
the other friend in time lost most of her races
She came to realize her friend had made her look good
without her she was a loser
Parables are valuable ways to learn lessons without directly informing another of a personal “failing.” Parables are tools to train children; Jesus told parables to teach adults who were unable to look at themselves honestly. This parable is in part true as it reflects two friends of mine who were brothers. One brother was a talelnted singer the other younger brother became a state champion (runner). He never cared that the papers wrote about him week after week. The older brother could not stand the fact that his brother was better known publically than himself.
I am a published children’s author. In my writings, I have written booklets for children with lessons or parables written in short story form.
penned in moon dust 
No, winning is not everything… love your posts 🙂
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This is a good lesson for my daughter…
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Ah…a modern day Aesop’s fable…well said.
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You don’t have to come first to win. It’s a shame more people don’t realise this. I enjoyed your post.
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Great parable! Winning isn’t always important, as I tell DH when he gloats after a game of Scrabble.
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Parables are definitely a great way to teach a lesson without preaching. I think the ones with animals are especially effective for kids – at least I always loved them when I was young and feel like I took them to heart.
Wishing you continued success with the A to Z challenge,
Jocelyn
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Taking part is the bit that should be cherished, I liked your parable.
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