Anyone who travels this pilgrim highway of life any distance will inevitably encounter what “old folks” always referred to as “troubles.”
“Soon I will be done with the troubles of this world…” is but one of many old familiar Negro Spirituals sung during the early plantation days that can still be occasionally heard although the old reference is more recently referred to from a spiritual perspective as “tests.” But troubles by any other name are most effectively dealt with through perspective.
In addressing student audiences in particular through the years I would always leave them with the thought: “Just remember that nothing can ever happen to you throughout your entire life (good or bad) that can ever be as important as your attitude toward it.” That is the chastening rod that can make or break you.
I must confess there have been many experiences throughout my extensive life that I have had to hold fast to that perspective that continues ever more challenging with the increasing reverse cycle of aging. For all things in nature move in cycles and progress only to a certain point before reversing the process. Therefore the natural cycle of man goes from childhood to childhood–if not plucked at its peak.
Through the years I have frequently shared the incident when I made the comment to my daughter nearly 50 years ago at her very early age that my fondest wish was to grow old gracefully; to which she quickly responded, “You done did it, ain’t you? Maybe I should have taken it more seriously then. But if we truly wish to view life in its proper perspective we must be fair in our judgment–of self as well as of others. The blame game will change nothing nor will it help anything and prevention is always a lot cheaper than cure.
It is becoming uncommonly clear that individuals seldom administer justice, more commonly administered through a group of individuals (i.e./a jury as opposed to a judge). But here again lies the question, which is more desirable? A victim would most likely seek justice while a perpetrator would be more prone to seek mercy, even when the damage is self-inflicted. Keep remembering, “Be fair in thy judgement and guarded in thy speech,” according to the Holy Writings of this New Era. “Be fair to yourself and to others that the evidences of justice may be revealed through your deeds…which trump words. One verse of the immortal literary masterpiece, “Sermons That We See ends with…“For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give, but there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.”
To be fair one is not influenced in decision making by one’s own likes and dislikes, by what he wants or does not want, by envy, jealousy, etc. It entails having no regard for one’s own personal interests, benefits and selfish advantages but prioritizing the welfare of the community instead. The just man or woman gathers all the available facts and background information as possible and avoids hearsay evidence that is most often untrustworthy. The fair person weighs all the information thoroughly, carefully and without prejudice and does not make impulsive decisions or extreme judgements. “Whoso cleaveth to justice can under no circumstances transgress the limits of moderation.” (not to be confused with mediocre-–but perfecting each aspect instead to the highest degree and they will moderate themselves.)
Therefore welcome some “troubles” by whatever name, for a skilled mariner can never be made on a calm sea. (Investigate!)
