DATE: January 25, 2015.
Today being a Sunday, I went out in service with my brother. We were only able to meet one of our friends who had expressed an interest to study the Bible. On our way there though, just about 50 meters from his house, we had to go through an area which was wet from last night’s showers.
Unfortunately for me though, a portion of ground which looked like was a firm piece of earth on which I could place my foot was in fact a deceit of sight. My left foot went on and in I sank a good 3 inches into the booby trap.
He giggled and laughed a little, my brother, and from that he chose a different path which will be safer for his footwear, balance and proper appearance.
We had to take some time to get my shoes cleaned to a presentable state and then continue to see our friend for the discussion.
When I got back home at around 1 pm, I took some time to ponder over the incident and from that meditation I gleamed some insights which I would like to share.
Concerning the part during which I misconstrued the appearance of the ground, I realized this: Not everything that we see may be what it seems to be. Many situations which may come our way in this life we are living will look to present itself as concrete and firm like that portion of ground.
But then deep consideration of the environmental factors surrounding the problem, including past, present and possible future outcome will prove otherwise. Had I called to mind the fact that it had rained the night before, I could have thought over that action as to whether it was in the best interest of me and my leather shoes to choose that path or to have a change of mind.
Such is the situation we all face in the reality of our lives. Sometimes we take actions too quickly and then in the short term result we earn, we actually realize then that had we been a little patient and more thoughtful
we could have avoided the pain and heartache that comes from a totally preventable mistake or gain bigger rewards than that from which we may have benefitted.
We then ask ourselves why we had acted so childishly. Were we really so ignorant to the clear signs staring at us in the face? Why didn’t we shift our focus to what really had to matter but then wanted a quick way to get away with. Eventually, we have to clean up a mess which we are not happy with. And no matter how hard we try to blot out the happening, it will always leave a scar or memory which we shall live with, either to laugh about or to regret over.
Now, from the viewpoint of my brother: He made fun of my demise because he knew me and thus was able to determine to a fair amount how I would react if he did so.
Similarly, in the relationships that we build with friends and family, we should be able to discern to an extent their emotional health and strength so we can better relate to them. For someone who has low confidence or self esteem, a tease or slight mocking of his problem will not build his spirit. Perhaps a ‘sorry’ will serve as a consolation affirming to him that these things do happen, but it’s what we do afterwards that shows what we are capable of: moping about our problem or picking and cleaning up to continue.
He also chose another path which was better and more suitable for him. In other words, he learnt from my unfortunate eventuality and was able to see the calamity and conceal himself. Such is life. I believe that in this modern age, knowledge and wisdom has overflowed and is more abundant than in any century in history. Hence, we have an advantage when it comes to making decisions wisely.
We do not always have to go through a problem to be able to learn a lesson from it. And that means that the statement, “Experience is the best teacher” is not totally true. I don’t need to use drugs before I know the effect it can have on me neither do I need an angel to tell me that drunk-driving will end my life. We learn these and many other lessons from other people’s experiences as well as from precautions and warnings from friends, family or the media and from that we should be able to see our own futures. We will thus be able to avoid these accidents and save ourselves the trouble.
We should however have pity on those to whom we learnt such lessons from because due to our human nature we may take a false step before we realize it. So we should be thankful that we weren’t the victims and help such ones get back to the race of life.
In conclusion, optimism on our part and kindness shown to us from loved ones has a great effect only if we appreciate their value and make good use of them.
So , WHAT DID YOU LEARN TODAY?
