Acceptance and gratitude
Reading and listening to the messages of those who graduated on top of their class merit reflection. Much that we have high expectation on the content, but oftentimes we are drawn to the manner it is being conveyed. For some, they become emotional as they narrated the hardships that they have been through. Center to the message are the people that have made their academic journey consequential.
As young as they are, they commit mistakes as they face the world, the very world that provides them with valuable lessons in life. And so we accept it as part of growing up. Accept that there are people whom they have hurt or disappointed at times. But what is good about it is they acknowledge that there are lessons and a room for them to learn and mend. It is on how they pick up the pieces and move on. Dwelling on the past would not help one, but to move forward.
As believers, we show our humility, gentleness, and patience when we accept people's misgivings. We bear with one another in love and should be "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" because we have peace with God (Rom 5:1) through Jesus' sacrifice.
Part of the acceptance is the fact that our young have more years to learn as they journey to more new challenges in life. And in this journey, the support system should still be present. Guidance and support from the adult members of the family are still necessary while not compromising their chance to be independent.
The journey for independence necessitates one to commit mistakes and realizes the many options on how to be better the next time around when confronted with similar problems, and hopefully this time devoid of interventions from the grown-ups.
Along with acceptance is gratitude. It is in success that there are people who encourage, inspire and help us to realize our dreams. Such heart of gratefulness acknowledges one's weakness in some areas and we can only achieve something when there are people whose strengths can fill in.
The heart that speaks of gratitude is one that is full of positivity. Negativity is downplayed yet remedied at the right time. It is in positivity that allows one to see the goodness of a person devoid of hatred and disparaging criticisms. And if one is exposed to this kind of environment then wherever he is in, he learns to appreciate even the small things in life.
Challenges come in our way. In one way or the other, they test us. They test how strong our character is. It is in this stage that some may falter, others will survive.
In the bible, Colossians 3:15-17, highlights a grateful heart, "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. ... And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
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