I enjoy talking to Clarissa as despite being at a tender age
of 10, she has her own views on a quite a wide range of topics. Recently, I
overheard a case where an acquaintance’s business was badly affected due to a
new player in town. Instead of viewing competition in business as being healthy
and opportunity to improve, I could tell that she was bitter and to make things
worse, her attitude had affected her entire outlook in life.
I was immensely disturbed, as I couldn’t understand why her
parents did not spare her some words of wisdom, or for that matter her close
friends too. To be immersed in such seemingly hopelessness is pitiful indeed. I
saw this as a great topic to talk about with Clarissa and Joseph.
One day, while fetching them back from the tuition centre, I
told them this scenario: “Kids, imagine there is a game shop Ace. It is the
only computer game shop in the town for the longest time and needless to say,
it is the most popular shop for kids. However, after sometime, another game
shop Better, started its business and because its game is more appealing, more
kids patronize Better. Eventually, Ace’s business suffers and its owner blames
Better.”
“Joe, what do you think if you were in Ace’s owner
position?” I asked my 7-year old. After some thoughts, he replied: “ He should
blame himself rather than Better’s owner, as his game is not as interesting.”
Before Joseph could finish, Clare looked eager to answer. “Well, first, Ace’s
owner should find out what makes Better better. For example: Better came up
with a bestseller game, which involved animals (yup, Clare would fall for
animal game anytime) that was more appealing than Ace’s plants. In addition, Ace
should find out what kids liked and come out with new games. Or, the two of
them could work together!”
I was pleasantly surprised and exceedingly proud of their
wise replies. “Good job! I hope you will always remember what you have said
today so that in the event of failure, you will always think positively!” I
cheered.
Dear Lord, please help my children to be resilient when they
encounter failure as its through failure that they could emerge stronger and
wiser. May they always grow in Your wisdom and rely on Your strength in every
situation. In Jesus name, Amen
