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‘a with the troubles of this world…”is but one of many old familiar Negro spirituals sung during the early plantation days, seldom if ever heard todate and if so the troubles are referred to 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 life (good or bad) that will 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 lifetime that I have had to hold fast to that perspective–that continues to be more challenging with the increasing reverse cycles of aging. For all things in nature progress only to a certain point before reversing the process. Therefore the natural cycle of man goes inevitably from childhood to childhood–if not plucked at its peak or at various stages in between.
I often refer to the time when at a very youthful age I commented to my daughter that my fondest wish was to grow old gracefully-–to which she instantly replied: “You done did it, ain’t you?” Perhaps I should have taken it more seriously then. But if we truly wish to view life in 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 as prevention is always a lot cheaper than cure!
It then becomes 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 of which is more desirable? A victim would more likely seek justice whereas a perpetrator would be ore prone to seek mercy. Just keep in mind: “Be fair in your judgment and guarded in your speech,” as emphasized in the Holy Writings of this New Day of God! “Be fair to yourself and to others that the evidences of justice may be revealed through your deeds–which trump words!
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 by prioritizing the welfare of the common good instead. The just individual gathers all available facts and background information possible and avoids hearsay evidence that is most often untrustworthy. The fair person weighs all information thoroughly, carefully and without prejudice and does not make impulsive decisions or extreme judgments.
“Whosoever 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-–at which point they will moderate themselves!
Therefore, welcome some troubles by whatever name or in whatever form, for “A skilled mariner could never be made on a calm sea.”
