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
Smart kids!
ReplyDeleteRelated, but not exactly the same, it is also possible that some Christians forget that they are NOT the only Christians competing for some thing, like a project or a business, or even a game, like a tennis tournament. Such, when they did NOT succeed despite much prayers, they either get angry with God or they become very disappointed. The point is, while God is faithful and God loves me, and does take into account my interest, God also must consider the interests of other Christians. At times, there can be no fault of yours, but still you don't get a contract or you still lose a tournament despite practising and pRaying hard. Another Christian who needs it more, could be praying, too; and God can be considering you worthy, to have the "gratification" of your interest deferred, in favor of someone who needs it more. The point is that we have to work, apply wisdom, and we have to pRay, but it is NOT necessarily God must, all the time, grant you your request, for the world is NOT just about you alone, even as God indeed loves you.
The secret to a Christian's well-being is in LOVING God. Love Him continually, and you can claim the beautiful promises of Ps 91. The key to Ps 91 is in the verses of 14-15. The protection and hand of help of God are assured, most assuredly, for those who LOVE God. .......... the KEY way to love God is to obey Him/His commands - John 14:15 & John 14:21a
Anthony Chia, high.expressions
PS: Read Ps 91:14-15 - it implicitly said there, there will be troubles for Christians, but they need NOT be stressFULL, for if you love God, God has promised He will be with you.