Twelve-year-old Alex Mitchell trudged along the sidewalk, his backpack slung over one shoulder and his hands stuffed into his pockets. His sandy brown hair was tousled by the morning breeze, and his blue eyes, usually bright and curious, were downcast. The weight of middle school pressures bore heavily on him, filling his mind with doubts and insecurities.
Alex was an average kid, caught in the chaos of adolescence. He desperately wanted to fit in, to be liked, to be part of the “cool” crowd. But despite his efforts, popularity always seemed just out of reach. He felt invisible, overshadowed by classmates who seemed to effortlessly navigate the social labyrinth of middle school.
As he neared the school, Alex noticed clusters of students gathered on the playground. He observed their interactions with a mixture of envy and sadness. The boys were jostling and laughing loudly, each trying to outdo the other with jokes and exaggerated stories. The girls stood in tight-knit groups, whispering and giggling, their eyes flicking over to the boys with practiced disinterest.
Alex sighed, pulling his jacket tighter around him as if it could shield him from the sting of exclusion. He had a few friends, but none that made him feel like he truly belonged. His mind wandered to the countless nights he spent scrolling through social media, comparing himself to others and feeling inadequate. He longed for the confidence and charisma that seemed to come so easily to his peers.
As he walked past the basketball court, a commotion caught his attention. A group of boys had gathered in a circle, and Alex could hear their taunts and jeers. Curiosity piqued, he edged closer, trying to see what was happening without drawing attention to himself.
In the center of the circle, two boys were squaring off. One of them, a tall and muscular eighth grader named Jake, had a sneer on his face. The other boy, Michael, was smaller and visibly frightened. Michael was known for his quiet demeanor and academic prowess, traits that unfortunately made him a target for bullies like Jake.
“Come on, nerd! Show us what you’ve got!” Jake taunted, shoving Michael roughly.
Michael stumbled but managed to stay on his feet. He looked around the circle, his eyes pleading for someone to step in, but no one moved. The other boys were too wrapped up in proving their own toughness to intervene. Alex’s heart pounded as he watched, a mix of fear and frustration boiling inside him.
“Do something!” he thought to himself, feeling a surge of anger. But his feet remained rooted to the spot. He wanted to help Michael, to stand up to Jake, but the fear of becoming a target himself held him back.
Jake shoved Michael again, harder this time, sending him sprawling to the ground. The boys around them laughed, their laughter cruel and mocking. Alex clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. He knew this was wrong. He knew he should do something. But what?
Just then, the school bell rang, signaling the start of the day. The boys quickly dispersed, leaving Michael on the ground, bruised and humiliated. Alex watched as Michael slowly got to his feet, brushing off his clothes and wiping away a tear.
Alex’s heart ached for Michael, but he also felt a burning shame for his own inaction. As he made his way to class, he couldn’t shake the image of Michael’s tear-streaked face from his mind. It was a stark reminder of the cruelty that often accompanied the quest for popularity and the desperate need for validation.
Alex vowed to himself that he would find a way to make a difference, to stand up for what was right. He didn’t know how yet, but he was determined to try. Little did he know this moment would be the catalyst for a journey that would change his life and help him discover the true meaning of goodness.
One Monday morning, his teacher, Mrs. Roberts, announced a new project: “Class, this week, we’re going to explore personal virtues. Each of you will choose a virtue and create a project around it. You can interview people, do research, or create something to illustrate what your chosen virtue means to you.”
Alex thought long and hard about which virtue to choose. As he mulled it over during lunch, he noticed a classmate, Michael, being teased by some older kids. Michael was smaller and quieter than the others, and Alex had always felt sorry for him but had never stepped in. In that moment, he decided: he would focus on the virtue of goodness.
English Class
Alex slid into his seat in Mrs. Roberts’ English class, still replaying the scene from the playground in his mind. His classmates were bustling around, chatting and settling into their seats. The room was decorated with colorful posters of famous literary quotes and student artwork. Bookshelves lined the walls, filled with well-worn novels and dictionaries. The large windows allowed the morning sunlight to stream in, casting a warm glow over the classroom.
At the front of the room, Mrs. Roberts, a kind and energetic teacher in her early forties, stood by the chalkboard. She had written a list of virtues in neat, flowing script: Love, Peace, Joy, Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, Self-Control. As the students quieted down, she turned to address the class.
“Good morning, everyone!” she said with a bright smile. “Today, we’re starting a new project. We’re going to explore personal virtues. Each of you will choose one of the virtues listed on the board and write a paper about what it means to you and how you can apply it to your life.”
The students murmured among themselves, glancing at the chalkboard. Alex’s eyes lingered on the word “Goodness.” His mind flashed back to Michael being bullied on the playground. He wondered, was there really goodness in the world? If there was, why didn’t anyone step in to help Michael, including himself?
Mrs. Roberts continued, “I want you to think deeply about your chosen virtue. Conduct interviews, do some research, and try to include personal experiences. This isn’t just about writing a paper—it’s about understanding these values and how they can shape our lives and our community.”
She walked around the room, handing out assignment sheets. As she reached Alex’s desk, she paused. “Alex, do you have any thoughts on which virtue you might choose?”
Alex looked up at her, his mind still buzzing with thoughts. “Um, I think I might choose goodness,” he said quietly.
Mrs. Roberts nodded, her eyes kind. “That’s a wonderful choice, Alex. Goodness is a virtue that can have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of others. I’m looking forward to seeing what you discover.”
As Mrs. Roberts moved on, Alex glanced around the room. Some of his classmates were already discussing their choices. Sarah, a studious girl with glasses, chose “Self-Control,” while Jake, one of the more popular boys, surprisingly picked “Kindness.” It seemed everyone was trying to find a virtue that resonated with them.
Mrs. Roberts clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Okay, class, let’s have a quick discussion. Can anyone tell me what these virtues mean to them? Let’s start with ‘Love.'”
Hands shot up across the room. Mrs. Roberts pointed to Sarah. “Sarah?”
“Love means caring deeply about someone else and wanting the best for them,” Sarah said confidently.
“Excellent,” Mrs. Roberts replied. “And what about ‘Peace’? Alex, would you like to give it a try?”
Alex hesitated, then spoke up. “I think peace is about being calm and harmonious, not just with others, but also within yourself.”
“Beautifully said, Alex,” Mrs. Roberts smiled. “Now, who can tell me about ‘Goodness’? Michael?”
Michael, still looking a bit shaken from the morning incident, glanced around nervously before answering. “Goodness is about doing the right thing and being kind, even when it’s hard.”
“Exactly, Michael,” Mrs. Roberts said warmly. “Goodness is a choice we make every day, in big ways and small. It’s about having a good heart and wanting to make the world a better place.”
Alex felt a pang of guilt as he listened to Michael. He knew he hadn’t shown goodness when it counted. But now, with this project, he had a chance to understand what it truly meant and how he could embody it.
The rest of the class passed in a blur as Alex’s thoughts churned. When the bell rang, signaling the end of the period, he gathered his things slowly, deep in thought. He knew this project was more than just an assignment—it was an opportunity to make a change, starting with himself.
As Alex walked out of the classroom, he felt a newfound sense of determination. He was going to dive into the virtue of goodness, not just for a grade, but to understand how he could make a real difference. He resolved to start by talking to people he admired for their goodness and learning from their experiences.
With a clearer sense of purpose, Alex headed to his next class, ready to embark on his journey of discovering the true meaning of goodness.
A Visit to Grandma’s Cottage
After school, Alex decided to take the longer route home, wanting to stop by his grandmother’s house. She lived in a small white cottage with a charming picket fence and a beautiful garden that always seemed to be in bloom, no matter the season. As he approached, he saw her bent over, tending to her plants and pulling weeds from the flower beds.
“Hi, Grandma,” Alex called out, opening the picket gate and walking up the path lined with colorful flowers.
“Hello, Alex!” his grandmother replied, straightening up and wiping her hands on her gardening apron. “How was school today?”
“It was okay,” Alex said, setting his backpack down and joining her in the garden. “Mrs. Roberts gave us an assignment to write a paper on a virtue. I chose goodness, but I’m still trying to figure out what it really means.”
His grandmother smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling with wisdom. “Goodness is a beautiful virtue, Alex. It’s not always easy to see, especially in a world that often seems so troubled. But remember, we know goodness because God is good, and everything good comes from Him.”
Alex watched as she carefully pulled a weed from the soil, making sure to get the root. “Look at this garden,” she continued. “It’s full of beautiful flowers, but it takes a lot of work to keep it this way. I have to pull out the weeds so they don’t choke the flowers. Goodness is like this garden; it must be nurtured and maintained.”
“How do we do that?” Alex asked, intrigued.
His grandmother knelt, beckoning him to join her. “Weeds in the garden are like the negative things in our lives—pride, selfishness, and cowardice. Just like I pull these weeds out to keep the flowers healthy, we need to identify and remove the weeds in our lives. It could be as simple as being too proud to admit when we’re wrong or being afraid to stand up for what’s right.”
Alex thought about the incident with Michael that morning. “I saw something at school today that really bothered me. A boy named Michael was being bullied, and I wanted to help, but I was too scared.”
His grandmother placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “That’s a perfect example, Alex. It takes courage to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. Pulling out the weeds of cowardice and fear allows the goodness in your heart to shine through. Remember, goodness is not just about being kind; it’s about striving to do what is right and just, even when no one else does.”
She handed him a small trowel. “Here, help me with these weeds. Think of it as a reminder that goodness requires effort and attention.”
As they worked together, Alex felt a sense of clarity and purpose. He realized that goodness wasn’t just about grand gestures; it was about the small, everyday choices that shaped his character and actions.
After they finished weeding, his grandmother stood up and stretched. “There, now the flowers can thrive. Just like in our lives, when we remove the negative influences, our goodness can grow and spread.”
Alex looked at the now pristine flower bed, feeling a renewed determination. “Thanks, Grandma. I think I understand a lot better now.”
She smiled and hugged him. “I’m glad, Alex. Always remember, goodness is like a garden. It needs care and attention, but the beauty it brings to the world is worth every bit of effort.”
With that, Alex picked up his backpack, feeling more resolved than ever to embody the virtue of goodness in his life. As he walked home, he thought about the weeds he needed to pull out of his own life and how he could nurture the goodness within him, just like his grandmother’s beautiful garden.
Dinner Table Wisdom
After returning home from his grandmother’s, Alex sat at his desk, staring at a blank sheet of paper. The discussion with his grandmother had given him a lot to think about, but he still struggled to find the right words. He tapped his pencil on the desk, replaying their conversation in his mind, hoping for inspiration.
“Alex, dinner’s ready!” his mother’s voice called from downstairs.
Alex set his pencil down and headed to the dining room. The familiar aroma of his mom’s cooking filled the air, and the table was set with a delicious spread. His father was already seated, reading the evening newspaper, while his younger sister Emily was fidgeting in her chair, eager to start eating.
“Hey, sport,” his father greeted him as Alex took his seat. “How was your day?”
“It was okay,” Alex replied, a bit hesitantly. “We got a new assignment in English class. We have to write about a virtue and how we can apply it to our lives.”
His mother smiled as she served the food. “That sounds interesting. Which virtue did you choose?”
“I picked goodness,” Alex said. “But I’m still trying to figure out what it really means and how to write about it.”
His father nodded thoughtfully. “Goodness is a great choice, Alex. It’s a virtue that can really make a difference in the world.”
Alex glanced at his father, curious. “How do you see goodness in your life, Dad?”
His father leaned back in his chair, considering the question. “Well, in my business, I always try to provide the best products at the right price for my customers. It’s about being honest and fair, making sure that what I offer brings value to their lives. That’s one way I express goodness.”
His mother chimed in, “And goodness isn’t just about big things. It’s about everyday actions, like being kind to your sister, helping around the house, or even standing up for someone at school.”
Alex’s father nodded in agreement. “You see, Alex, goodness is a reflection of those who call themselves Christians. We strive to be good because God is good. When we do good things, it brings glory to God. It’s a way of showing His love and care through our actions. Taking care of our family and friends, doing our best in our work, these are all expressions of goodness.”
Emily, who had been listening quietly, looked up at her brother. “Does that mean when you helped me with my homework yesterday, you were being good because God wants us to be good?”
“Exactly, Emily,” their father said with a smile. “Goodness is an attribute of God that He wants us to copy. If everyone focused on goodness, many other virtues would follow naturally.”
Alex felt a sense of clarity as he listened to his parents. His father continued, “Think of goodness as the foundation. When you focus on being good, you’re more likely to be kind, patient, and loving. It’s like building a house; goodness is the strong base that supports everything else.”
Alex’s mother added, “And remember, it’s not about being perfect. We all make mistakes, but striving to be good in our actions and decisions is what matters.”
As dinner continued, Alex felt a newfound sense of purpose. He realized that goodness was not just an abstract concept but a practical and vital part of everyday life. It was about making choices that reflected the goodness of God and bringing positive change to the world around him.
After dinner, Alex returned to his room, his mind buzzing with ideas. He picked up his pencil and began to write, his thoughts flowing more freely now. He wrote about the incident with Michael, his grandmother’s garden, and his parents’ insights. He described how goodness required effort and attention, just like tending to a garden, and how it could manifest in both small and significant ways.
As he wrote, Alex felt a sense of fulfillment and clarity. He knew that by understanding and practicing goodness, he could make a real difference in his life and the lives of those around him. He resolved to embody this virtue, not just for his assignment, but as a guiding principle in his everyday actions.
And so, with his pencil moving steadily across the paper, Alex began to explore the depths of goodness, ready to share his newfound understanding with the world.
Practicing Goodness
Over the next few days, Alex made a conscious effort to exercise the virtue of goodness in his daily life. Inspired by his discussions with his grandmother and parents, he started with small acts that he knew would make a difference.
One evening, he noticed Emily struggling with her homework. Remembering his commitment to goodness, he sat down beside her and patiently helped her through her math problems. When they finished, Emily beamed at him. “Thanks, Alex! You’re the best big brother.”
Alex smiled, feeling a warm sense of satisfaction. “Anytime, Emily. Now, how about that tea party you’ve been wanting to have?”
Emily’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Really? You’ll play with me?”
“Sure,” Alex said, getting up to join her at her little table set up with toy teacups and stuffed animals. They spent the next hour playing together, and Alex found that he enjoyed the time spent making his sister happy.
On Saturday morning, Alex decided to help clean up the lawn around their church. Armed with gloves and trash bags, he spent several hours picking up litter and tidying the area. As he worked, he thought about how simple acts of goodness could improve the environment and bring people together.
Later that afternoon, Alex volunteered at the local animal shelter. He walked dogs, cleaned kennels, and even helped feed the animals. The shelter staff appreciated his efforts, and he felt a deep sense of fulfillment knowing he was making a positive impact on the lives of the animals.
One day at school, as Alex was heading to class, he noticed Michael struggling with a heavy backpack. Remembering his decision to focus on goodness, he walked over to help. “Hey, Michael. Need a hand with that?”
Michael looked up, surprised but grateful. “Thanks, Alex. It’s really heavy.”
“No problem,” Alex said, taking one of the straps and helping to lift the burden. As they walked to class together, they started chatting about their favorite video games.
“What’s your favorite game?” Alex asked, genuinely interested.
“I love playing Minecraft,” Michael replied, his face lighting up. “It’s so much fun building different things and exploring new worlds.”
“Me too!” Alex exclaimed. “Maybe we could play together sometime.”
Michael’s smile widened. “I’d like that.”
As they continued talking, Alex learned more about Michael. He discovered that Michael was often an outcast because he was smaller than the other boys and his parents were immigrants from another country. Despite these challenges, Michael was incredibly bright and had a lot of interesting things to say.
Over the following weeks, Alex and Michael became good friends. They often walked to class together, played video games, and even studied together. Alex found that putting off his own selfish ambitions to lift someone else up brought him a sense of joy and fulfillment he hadn’t felt before.
He realized that practicing goodness wasn’t just about grand gestures; it was about the small, everyday choices that shaped his character and actions. By helping Michael, he not only made a new friend but also set an example for others. He saw that goodness had a ripple effect, spreading positivity and kindness throughout the school.
As he continued to exercise the virtue of goodness, Alex felt more confident and happier. He no longer worried about fitting in or being popular. Instead, he focused on being kind, honest, and helpful, knowing that these qualities were far more valuable.
Through his journey, Alex discovered that true happiness came from doing good for others and making a positive impact. He understood that goodness was a powerful force that could transform not only his life but also the lives of those around him.
And so, Alex continued his journey, determined to live by the virtue of goodness every day. He knew that by doing so, he could make the world a better place, one small act of kindness at a time.
Run-in with Jake
One crisp morning, Alex walked to school with his sister Emily and his new friend Michael. They chatted and laughed, enjoying each other’s company as the school came into view. Suddenly, Alex spotted Jake standing in the schoolyard, glaring at them with his arms crossed.
Jake was a big eighth grader who had been held back a year. Everyone knew about Jake’s rough life—he lived with his aunt because his father was in jail and his mother had died from a drug overdose. Jake’s mean streak was well-known, and most students avoided him.
As they neared the schoolyard, Jake stepped forward and blocked their path. “Well, if it isn’t the little nerd and his friends,” Jake sneered, his eyes narrowing at Michael.
Michael tried to avoid eye contact, but Jake reached out and shoved him. “What’s wrong, Michael? Scared?”
The other children in the schoolyard began to gather around, sensing trouble. They started chanting, “Fight! Fight! Fight!” Alex could see the fear in Michael’s eyes and felt Emily clutching his hand tightly.
Alex’s heart raced, but he remembered his commitment to goodness. He knew he had to do something. Stepping in front of Michael, he faced Jake. “Jake, you need to pick on someone your own size before you think about bullying Michael,” Alex said, his voice steady despite the adrenaline pumping through his veins.
The children hushed, watching the confrontation intently. Alex knew they were all afraid of Jake, and he wanted to set an example.
Jake’s face twisted in anger. “You think you’re so brave, Alex? You want to fight too?”
Alex shook his head. “No, Jake. Fighting won’t solve anything. I don’t want to fight you. I want to understand you. I know you’ve had a hard life, and I’m sorry for what you’ve been through.”
Jake seemed taken aback by Alex’s words. The anger in his eyes wavered for a moment.
Alex took a deep breath and continued, “God will judge us by our thoughts and deeds. There’s nothing good in this fight. It will only lead to you getting expelled, and I don’t want that for you. I want to be your friend because I know you’re hurting and lonely. We all need friends, Jake.”
The schoolyard was silent. The other children watched, holding their breath. Alex could see the uncertainty in Jake’s eyes. For a moment, Jake’s tough exterior cracked, revealing a glimpse of the pain and loneliness he carried.
Jake’s fists unclenched, and he took a step back. He looked around at the expectant faces of his classmates, then turned and walked away without saying a word.
As soon as Jake left, the other kids erupted in praise for Alex. “Way to go, Alex!” “You’re so brave!” “That was amazing!”
Emily hugged Alex tightly, her eyes shining with pride. Michael looked at Alex with gratitude and admiration. “Thank you, Alex,” he said softly. “You stood up for me.”
Alex smiled, feeling a deep sense of fulfillment. “We all need to look out for each other,” he replied. “Goodness is about doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.”
From that day on, Alex noticed a change in the way his classmates interacted. Inspired by his example, they began to stand up for each other and show more kindness. Even Jake seemed to be less aggressive, often keeping to himself but no longer lashing out as much.
Alex realized that goodness had the power to transform not only individual lives but also the entire community. He knew that by continuing to practice and promote goodness, he could help create a more compassionate and supportive environment for everyone.
And so, Alex continued his journey, determined to live by the virtue of goodness every day, knowing that small acts of kindness and courage could make a big difference in the world.
The Reward of Goodness
The weeks flew by, and the day finally came when Mrs. Roberts would hand back their papers on virtues. Alex sat beside Michael in English class, nervously tapping his fingers on his desk. He had put a lot of effort into his paper, pouring his heart into understanding and practicing goodness.
The classroom buzzed with anticipation as Mrs. Roberts stood at the front, holding a stack of graded papers. She began handing them back, one by one, with encouraging words for each student. Alex watched as she moved down the rows, his heart pounding in his chest.
Finally, she reached his desk. With a warm smile, Mrs. Roberts handed Alex his paper. “Excellent work, Alex,” she said, her eyes twinkling with pride.
Alex took the paper, his eyes immediately drawn to the large “A+” written in red at the top. Below the grade, Mrs. Roberts had written a note: “I can see you understand Goodness.”
A wave of relief and pride washed over him. He had done it. He had truly grasped the essence of goodness and managed to express it in his writing.
Michael leaned over to see Alex’s grade and grinned. “Wow, Alex! That’s amazing!”
“Thanks, Michael,” Alex replied, feeling a warm glow of satisfaction. “I’m glad it all made sense.”
Mrs. Roberts returned to the front of the classroom and addressed the students. “I am so impressed with all of your papers. You all did a wonderful job exploring these virtues and thinking about how to apply them in your lives. Alex, would you mind sharing a bit about your experience with goodness?”
Alex nodded and stood up, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. “Sure, Mrs. Roberts.”
He turned to face his classmates. “At first, I wasn’t sure what goodness really meant. But then I started to see it as something we must
The Best Version of Me
