There once was a King who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The King looked at all the pictures, but there were only two he really liked and he had to choose between them.
One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for the peaceful towering mountains that were all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.
The other picture had mountains too, but these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fell, and in which lightening played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all. But when the King looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest... perfect peace.
Which picture do you think won the prize? The King chose the second picture. Do you know why? "Because," explained the King, "peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace." - Author Unknown
If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. - Mother Teresa
If you wish to be brothers, let the arms fall from your hands. One cannot love while holding offensive arms. - Pope Pius VI
The most faithful disciples of Christ have been builders of peace, to the point of forgiving their enemies, sometimes even to the point of giving their lives for them. - Pope John Paul II
I hope...that mankind will at length, as they call themselves reasonable creatures, have reason and sense enough to settle their differences without cutting throats; for in my opinion there never was a good war, or a bad peace. - Benjamin Franklin
Take the big step. Surrender any "eye for an eye" notions and pray for help in learning to love and forgive the way our Lord taught us.
I implore you to find that quiet place in your home, outside, near the water - wherever you can have ten minutes a day of peace. Seek God and he will find you. Talk to God when he is near.
Ask God in this season of Lent - our time for forgiveness and reconciliation - to open your hearts and minds to discern and follow what he wants you to do each day.
Christ invites each of us to reconcile with those who hurt or disappoint us. It is a call to forgive the stranger who cuts you off in traffic; the family member who has been a bit "too honest"; and, a sibling or friend, who may continue to drive you crazy.
May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Life is Like a Box of Crayons
We could all learn a lesson from crayons; some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colours but they all have to learn to live in the same box. ~ Robert Fulghum
Imagine how amazing it would be if every family member worked together to make life a little easier for each other; if everyone took the time to find out why another person thinks a certain way instead of starting a fight. Imagine if family members overcame their differences to live in the same house.
Enjoy this story!
Once upon a time there were 8 crayons. They all lived together in a gold and green box. They pretty much minded their own business and didn’t pay much attention to each other. Until one day one of them said, “I’m so blue and lonely. I’d really like to meet everyone in my box.” He leaned over to the next crayon and said, “You look bright and cheerful! What colour are you?” Well, I am the most important colour, of course! I am the colour of the sun. People would not get out of bed in the morning if it were not for me!
The blue crayon moved to the next crayon. Hello! I just met Yellow. What colour are you? I am the prettiest colour in this box! I am the colour of violets and pansies. My name is Purple!
The next crayon seemed to be having a wonderful time. She was smiling and happy and invited Blue to join her. Welcome! I’m Orange. I’m so glad to meet you! Blue felt very comfortable to be with Orange, but wanted to meet everyone else in his box.
The next crayon was very focused on the previous crayons. When Blue approached him, he began whining. Why do I have to be the colour of grass on the ground? I want to be bright and shiny like Yellow. I want to be beautiful like Purple. And, Orange is so warm and inviting that everyone wants to be friends with her. Blue could tell this crayon was Green (with jealousy.)
Blue moved on. The next crayon was hard at work. He could see the dirt under his nails and on his face. He introduced himself. Hi. I’m Blue. The crayon responded, I really don’t have time to talk. My name is Brown and I’m the only one who works around here!
The next crayon Blue encountered was lying down and seemed to be rather sleepy. Blue said, I’m sorry to wake you, but I’m trying to meet everyone in our box. The crayon yawned and said, Oh, that’s o.k. I am so tired. I’ve been out all night while everyone else was sleeping. Others hardly notice that I am the night sky. Could you turn out the lights, please?
Not wanting to disrupt Black, Blue moved on to the last crayon. Blue spoke, I’m Blue. You are the last crayon I have to meet. Red replied, So you met all the others, huh? I’m so important, “I am so pretty, I’m the only one that works, blah, blah, blah.” I’m so tired hearing about everyone else, I just might leave this box!
Blue calls a meeting of all 8 crayons. I’m so glad to have met all of you! He looks at Yellow. You are important, but so is every other colour. If everything were bright and yellow, we would all be wearing sunglasses!
He turns to Purple. Purple is a very beautiful colour, but there are pretty Red roses, wonderful Orange butterflies, and Green grass in the spring.
Brown, you work very hard. Sometimes it helps to stop and take a break. Have a little fun!
Black, you may feel unnoticed but you are everywhere, and not just in the night sky. Your shadows may be hiding, but we still see you.
Looking next at Red, I know it’s hard to listen to everyone else’s problems. But we are all in this box together. Listen to your neighbour’s problems like they are your problems.
Blue’s meeting was successful! Soon the whole box was happy and humble, not jealous and resentful. They lived together in peace and harmony and gradually welcomed new, different colours. Soon they moved to a box of 16, 24, and an even happier 64! Even though there were many crayons, they were still one box!
From this story, we found that the crayons were so different, but had one purpose - to colour!
We live in God’s great big world! And, we are so different! We can appreciate each others’ differences and all live here together in peace and harmony, like the crayons, because we are all children of God!
Story by Amy Loftis
http://childrensministryvault.com/
Imagine how amazing it would be if every family member worked together to make life a little easier for each other; if everyone took the time to find out why another person thinks a certain way instead of starting a fight. Imagine if family members overcame their differences to live in the same house.
Enjoy this story!
Once upon a time there were 8 crayons. They all lived together in a gold and green box. They pretty much minded their own business and didn’t pay much attention to each other. Until one day one of them said, “I’m so blue and lonely. I’d really like to meet everyone in my box.” He leaned over to the next crayon and said, “You look bright and cheerful! What colour are you?” Well, I am the most important colour, of course! I am the colour of the sun. People would not get out of bed in the morning if it were not for me!
The blue crayon moved to the next crayon. Hello! I just met Yellow. What colour are you? I am the prettiest colour in this box! I am the colour of violets and pansies. My name is Purple!
The next crayon seemed to be having a wonderful time. She was smiling and happy and invited Blue to join her. Welcome! I’m Orange. I’m so glad to meet you! Blue felt very comfortable to be with Orange, but wanted to meet everyone else in his box.
The next crayon was very focused on the previous crayons. When Blue approached him, he began whining. Why do I have to be the colour of grass on the ground? I want to be bright and shiny like Yellow. I want to be beautiful like Purple. And, Orange is so warm and inviting that everyone wants to be friends with her. Blue could tell this crayon was Green (with jealousy.)
Blue moved on. The next crayon was hard at work. He could see the dirt under his nails and on his face. He introduced himself. Hi. I’m Blue. The crayon responded, I really don’t have time to talk. My name is Brown and I’m the only one who works around here!
The next crayon Blue encountered was lying down and seemed to be rather sleepy. Blue said, I’m sorry to wake you, but I’m trying to meet everyone in our box. The crayon yawned and said, Oh, that’s o.k. I am so tired. I’ve been out all night while everyone else was sleeping. Others hardly notice that I am the night sky. Could you turn out the lights, please?
Not wanting to disrupt Black, Blue moved on to the last crayon. Blue spoke, I’m Blue. You are the last crayon I have to meet. Red replied, So you met all the others, huh? I’m so important, “I am so pretty, I’m the only one that works, blah, blah, blah.” I’m so tired hearing about everyone else, I just might leave this box!
Blue calls a meeting of all 8 crayons. I’m so glad to have met all of you! He looks at Yellow. You are important, but so is every other colour. If everything were bright and yellow, we would all be wearing sunglasses!
He turns to Purple. Purple is a very beautiful colour, but there are pretty Red roses, wonderful Orange butterflies, and Green grass in the spring.
Brown, you work very hard. Sometimes it helps to stop and take a break. Have a little fun!
Black, you may feel unnoticed but you are everywhere, and not just in the night sky. Your shadows may be hiding, but we still see you.
Looking next at Red, I know it’s hard to listen to everyone else’s problems. But we are all in this box together. Listen to your neighbour’s problems like they are your problems.
Blue’s meeting was successful! Soon the whole box was happy and humble, not jealous and resentful. They lived together in peace and harmony and gradually welcomed new, different colours. Soon they moved to a box of 16, 24, and an even happier 64! Even though there were many crayons, they were still one box!
From this story, we found that the crayons were so different, but had one purpose - to colour!
We live in God’s great big world! And, we are so different! We can appreciate each others’ differences and all live here together in peace and harmony, like the crayons, because we are all children of God!
Story by Amy Loftis
http://childrensministryvault.com/
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Instilling Discipline and Responsibility in our Lives by Angeles Arrien
Responsibility is not only the ability to respond to what comes towards us, it is also the capacity to stand behind our actions and to be responsible for all that we do, or do not do. This means that we do not allow ourselves to be in denial, or to be self-indulgent. Our ability to respond impeccably to the circumstances at hand, and with integrity to the events we create brings us into the arena of effective leadership.
This aspect of responsibility is discipline. Discipline is the process of facing life directly and acting without haste. The word discipline actually means “being a disciple unto oneself.” When we are disciples unto ourselves, we honour our own rhythm, ask for help that is needed, and consistently attend to the actions needed, in a step-by-step way. We are most likely to be thrown off course when we have too much to do, or too little to do. These times should act as reminders to engage discipline, to move not rashly, but step-by-step.
Discipline and responsibility are the leadership tools for honouring structure and function. Land-based peoples know that too much structure or form leads to rigidity and calcification, and too much function or random creativity leads to chaos. Thomas Cleary’s Zen Lessons: the Art of Leadership reminds us that if we do not adhere to the “three don’ts of leadership” we will not only be irresponsible, but we will dishonour the processes of discipline found in all structures and functions:
“In leadership, there are three don’ts:
1. When there is much to do, don’t be afraid;
2. When there is nothing to do, don’t be hasty; and
3. Don’t talk about opinions of right or wrong when action can be taken.
A leader who succeeds in these things won’t be confused or deluded by external objects and circumstances.”
When we apply the guidelines of the “three don’ts” in our lives, we honour the inherent aspects of structure and function by instilling discipline and responsibility into all that we do or steward in our lives.
This aspect of responsibility is discipline. Discipline is the process of facing life directly and acting without haste. The word discipline actually means “being a disciple unto oneself.” When we are disciples unto ourselves, we honour our own rhythm, ask for help that is needed, and consistently attend to the actions needed, in a step-by-step way. We are most likely to be thrown off course when we have too much to do, or too little to do. These times should act as reminders to engage discipline, to move not rashly, but step-by-step.
Discipline and responsibility are the leadership tools for honouring structure and function. Land-based peoples know that too much structure or form leads to rigidity and calcification, and too much function or random creativity leads to chaos. Thomas Cleary’s Zen Lessons: the Art of Leadership reminds us that if we do not adhere to the “three don’ts of leadership” we will not only be irresponsible, but we will dishonour the processes of discipline found in all structures and functions:
“In leadership, there are three don’ts:
1. When there is much to do, don’t be afraid;
2. When there is nothing to do, don’t be hasty; and
3. Don’t talk about opinions of right or wrong when action can be taken.
A leader who succeeds in these things won’t be confused or deluded by external objects and circumstances.”
When we apply the guidelines of the “three don’ts” in our lives, we honour the inherent aspects of structure and function by instilling discipline and responsibility into all that we do or steward in our lives.
Monday, 14 February 2011
What Is Love?
Every year, February 14 is celebrated as Saint Valentine's Day all across the world. Valentine’s Day is the most awaited day of the year for all youngsters. Even though the history of St. Valentine’s Day and the patron Saint behind it is shrouded in mystery but we treat the month of February as the Month of Romance. This day involves mutual exchange of flowers, gifts, candies, e-cards, sending love messages and much more all in the name of St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers.
How do you define love? Even very educated and brilliant people have a difficult time defining love. It's a very complicated thing!
Throughout the history of mankind, we as a world culture have made love out to be mysterious, complex, difficult, and undefinable. It’s the subject of endless poems and literary works. There is an enormous amount of material available out there about love, a lot of it contradictory.
We’ve been given the impression that to define love is near to impossible. Maybe there’s a fear that if we define it, it would somehow be less powerful...less impactful...less exhilarating. But is it really that complicated? Perhaps the complications surrounding love come from all “stuff” we add on to this powerful emotion. Lets drop all the baggage surrounding relationships and define what it is we are experiencing in the moment of love.
Love is both an action and a feeling.
Love is patient, love is kind. It has no envy.
Love uplifts, love empowers. It is joyful.
Love is unconditional. It expects nothing in return.
It does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
Where there is love there are no barriers, no avoidance, no expectation.
You can learn to love others.
You just need to focus on the goodness of the other person.
Love is about letting others be and accepting them for who they are.
Love is like war: Easy to begin but hard to end.
Where love is, no room is too small.
Loves makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.
Love is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.
Love is sustained by action, a pattern of devotion in the things we do for each other every day.
Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit.
Love is like a violin. The music may stop now and then, but the strings remain forever.
Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence.
In the final analysis, love is the only reflection of man's worth.
Love doesn't make the world go round, love is what makes the ride worthwhile.
While there are many definitions of love, Robert J. Sternberg, an American psychologist and psychometrician came up with a Triangular Theory of Love. The underlying idea of this theory is that love can be dissected into three main parts: intimacy, passion and decision/commitment.
You are fortunate if your relationship features strong aspects of each of these, but Sternberg advises us that the emphasis of each of these components changes over time.
Passion
Passion is typically strongest in the beginning of a relationship and eases away over time. Think of newlyweds, young lovers and those in the early stages of a romance. While we all know a older couple who are constantly holding hands, they probably won't be tackling each other after a separation as a younger couple might do.
Intimacy
Emotional intimacy develops over time. It helps the union of a couple deepen as they find that they can trust and rely on each other. A healthy level of emotional intimacy is necessary for achieving satisfying sexual or physical intimacy. Marriage counselors report that most couples that come in for sexuality counseling need help in the intimacy department. Likewise, most couples that come in for marriage counseling are usually having problems with sexuality.
Commitment
Sternberg's third component of love is commitment. Commitment may begin with a promise, a ring or a ceremony. But in long lasting romances, commitment will increase regardless of the state of the couples passion or intimacy.
Happy Valentine's Day. Remember, in everything you strive for, who you want to be, what you want to do, what you want to accomplish – ask yourself this question – “am I doing this with love?”
Toyin Olaleye
Source:
Cavahaugh, J.C., Kail, R.V., (2007). Human Development. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth
How do you define love? Even very educated and brilliant people have a difficult time defining love. It's a very complicated thing!
Throughout the history of mankind, we as a world culture have made love out to be mysterious, complex, difficult, and undefinable. It’s the subject of endless poems and literary works. There is an enormous amount of material available out there about love, a lot of it contradictory.
We’ve been given the impression that to define love is near to impossible. Maybe there’s a fear that if we define it, it would somehow be less powerful...less impactful...less exhilarating. But is it really that complicated? Perhaps the complications surrounding love come from all “stuff” we add on to this powerful emotion. Lets drop all the baggage surrounding relationships and define what it is we are experiencing in the moment of love.
Love is both an action and a feeling.
Love is patient, love is kind. It has no envy.
Love uplifts, love empowers. It is joyful.
Love is unconditional. It expects nothing in return.
It does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
Where there is love there are no barriers, no avoidance, no expectation.
You can learn to love others.
You just need to focus on the goodness of the other person.
Love is about letting others be and accepting them for who they are.
Love is like war: Easy to begin but hard to end.
Where love is, no room is too small.
Loves makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.
Love is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.
Love is sustained by action, a pattern of devotion in the things we do for each other every day.
Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit.
Love is like a violin. The music may stop now and then, but the strings remain forever.
Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence.
In the final analysis, love is the only reflection of man's worth.
Love doesn't make the world go round, love is what makes the ride worthwhile.
While there are many definitions of love, Robert J. Sternberg, an American psychologist and psychometrician came up with a Triangular Theory of Love. The underlying idea of this theory is that love can be dissected into three main parts: intimacy, passion and decision/commitment.
You are fortunate if your relationship features strong aspects of each of these, but Sternberg advises us that the emphasis of each of these components changes over time.
Passion
Passion is typically strongest in the beginning of a relationship and eases away over time. Think of newlyweds, young lovers and those in the early stages of a romance. While we all know a older couple who are constantly holding hands, they probably won't be tackling each other after a separation as a younger couple might do.
Intimacy
Emotional intimacy develops over time. It helps the union of a couple deepen as they find that they can trust and rely on each other. A healthy level of emotional intimacy is necessary for achieving satisfying sexual or physical intimacy. Marriage counselors report that most couples that come in for sexuality counseling need help in the intimacy department. Likewise, most couples that come in for marriage counseling are usually having problems with sexuality.
Commitment
Sternberg's third component of love is commitment. Commitment may begin with a promise, a ring or a ceremony. But in long lasting romances, commitment will increase regardless of the state of the couples passion or intimacy.
Happy Valentine's Day. Remember, in everything you strive for, who you want to be, what you want to do, what you want to accomplish – ask yourself this question – “am I doing this with love?”
Toyin Olaleye
Source:
Cavahaugh, J.C., Kail, R.V., (2007). Human Development. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth
Love Economics 101: Choice & Cost - Accountability in Matters of Heart & Head
Today, 14th February, is perhaps a good day to share a few thoughts about LOVE.
Rather than dwell on the passion and emotion of Love; I’d rather talk about the ECONOMICS of LOVE!
We all are familiar with economic terms like; scarcity, choice, opportunity cost and scale of preference in basic economics. These terms also manifest in the business of relationships and matters of the heart. Unfortunately, most
people do not use logic or their head when considering matters of the heart. This is rather unfortunate, because the heart and the head are complementary. Infact, God made us in 3-dimension (some may argue 4-dimension, when you add the Spirit), but I will stop at 3-dimension for the purpose of this exercise: BODY, MIND & HEART!
Most people are easily attracted and lured into relationships by nice bodily features. Now, beyond the physical attraction, shouldn’t we do some evaluation; bothering on choice and cost, particularly when you consider what our immediate preoccupation or responsibility should be. What am I suppose to deliver by this month-end, end of quarter or end of year? We must always focus on our goals. Hoping that we have applied scale of preference to our desires, wants and needs. Your magnificent obsession (most important) goal should help you order/arrange your priorities.
“Man has life and death before him; whichever a man likes better, will be given him”. – Book of Ecclesiasticus (Power to choose, and get rewarded for that which you choose/accountability)
When you have properly ordered your wants or priorities, you will then need to make some trade-offs. The moment you choose ‘A’, you may have to forgo or defer ‘B’. Choice has an implicit Cost. Now don’t get me wrong; A and B may not be mutually exclusive, but it may be dangerous to combine the two at the same time. You need the LAW and WISDOM to guide you.
“We have a wisdom to offer those who have reached maturity: not a philosophy of our age” – St Paul to the Corinthians. (Eternal Truth will endure than contemporary hype/fashion
In business, careers and relationships, there are trade-offs and most times we need judgment and experience to guide us. It is dangerous to get advice or guidance from your colleague or class mate. Remember, what is ‘fashionable’ may not be ‘wise’. It is for this reason that some people have mentors and counsellor or coaches. It’s amazing when a boy in SS2 decides to help a young JSS2 girl to understand the menstrual cycle all in a scheme to have cheap sex and avoid the risk of unwanted pregnancy. After all, “I love you and what’s the benefit of our relationship?” Even parents with many years of licensed sex still record errors in the game plan of having the pleasure of sex without the pain of parenting.
“Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them.” (No Contradiction, one comes before the other; complementary)
I started riding motorbikes and driving cars before the legal driving age, but I know all the risks I experienced. Don’t get me wrong, please!. Young people will try and attempt all the pleasures of life as they grow up. We allow our heart and body to lead us into relationships with cigarettes, driving and the opposite sex, without using our head or considering the cost of our choice and what the law permits.
“For I tell you, if your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.” - Gospel according to Matthew. (Excellence/Standards)
The danger with playing games as adolescent is that we often have cheap standards in our haste to experience that which we will have full liberty to enjoy, with little or no risks, later on in life. We play beyond our installed capacity for risk management. Imagine driving a friend’s car and crashing it. Or drinking ‘free’ champagne at a party, only to get intoxicated beyond your capacity. Or smoking and becoming addicted. Or having unprotected sex and ending up with STD or some little baby! Now, what happens is that your fun and progress is cut short. You may never be able to become that great star, who had lots of promise of a great career and a great family life! You miss the kingdom of heaven!
“If your right hand should cause you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body go to hell. - Gospel according to Matthew (Priority, Choice & Opportunity Cost)
There are no mid points with success or relationships. You are either growing or failing. You cannot be facing east and west at the same time. We need the discipline to decide and choose one direction or goal at a time. It’s a simple economic truth; in life, careers and relationships.
Happy Val’s day.
Paul Olaleye.
Rather than dwell on the passion and emotion of Love; I’d rather talk about the ECONOMICS of LOVE!
We all are familiar with economic terms like; scarcity, choice, opportunity cost and scale of preference in basic economics. These terms also manifest in the business of relationships and matters of the heart. Unfortunately, most
people do not use logic or their head when considering matters of the heart. This is rather unfortunate, because the heart and the head are complementary. Infact, God made us in 3-dimension (some may argue 4-dimension, when you add the Spirit), but I will stop at 3-dimension for the purpose of this exercise: BODY, MIND & HEART!
Most people are easily attracted and lured into relationships by nice bodily features. Now, beyond the physical attraction, shouldn’t we do some evaluation; bothering on choice and cost, particularly when you consider what our immediate preoccupation or responsibility should be. What am I suppose to deliver by this month-end, end of quarter or end of year? We must always focus on our goals. Hoping that we have applied scale of preference to our desires, wants and needs. Your magnificent obsession (most important) goal should help you order/arrange your priorities.
“Man has life and death before him; whichever a man likes better, will be given him”. – Book of Ecclesiasticus (Power to choose, and get rewarded for that which you choose/accountability)
When you have properly ordered your wants or priorities, you will then need to make some trade-offs. The moment you choose ‘A’, you may have to forgo or defer ‘B’. Choice has an implicit Cost. Now don’t get me wrong; A and B may not be mutually exclusive, but it may be dangerous to combine the two at the same time. You need the LAW and WISDOM to guide you.
“We have a wisdom to offer those who have reached maturity: not a philosophy of our age” – St Paul to the Corinthians. (Eternal Truth will endure than contemporary hype/fashion
In business, careers and relationships, there are trade-offs and most times we need judgment and experience to guide us. It is dangerous to get advice or guidance from your colleague or class mate. Remember, what is ‘fashionable’ may not be ‘wise’. It is for this reason that some people have mentors and counsellor or coaches. It’s amazing when a boy in SS2 decides to help a young JSS2 girl to understand the menstrual cycle all in a scheme to have cheap sex and avoid the risk of unwanted pregnancy. After all, “I love you and what’s the benefit of our relationship?” Even parents with many years of licensed sex still record errors in the game plan of having the pleasure of sex without the pain of parenting.
“Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them.” (No Contradiction, one comes before the other; complementary)
I started riding motorbikes and driving cars before the legal driving age, but I know all the risks I experienced. Don’t get me wrong, please!. Young people will try and attempt all the pleasures of life as they grow up. We allow our heart and body to lead us into relationships with cigarettes, driving and the opposite sex, without using our head or considering the cost of our choice and what the law permits.
“For I tell you, if your virtue goes no deeper than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.” - Gospel according to Matthew. (Excellence/Standards)
The danger with playing games as adolescent is that we often have cheap standards in our haste to experience that which we will have full liberty to enjoy, with little or no risks, later on in life. We play beyond our installed capacity for risk management. Imagine driving a friend’s car and crashing it. Or drinking ‘free’ champagne at a party, only to get intoxicated beyond your capacity. Or smoking and becoming addicted. Or having unprotected sex and ending up with STD or some little baby! Now, what happens is that your fun and progress is cut short. You may never be able to become that great star, who had lots of promise of a great career and a great family life! You miss the kingdom of heaven!
“If your right hand should cause you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; for it will do you less harm to lose one part of you than to have your whole body go to hell. - Gospel according to Matthew (Priority, Choice & Opportunity Cost)
There are no mid points with success or relationships. You are either growing or failing. You cannot be facing east and west at the same time. We need the discipline to decide and choose one direction or goal at a time. It’s a simple economic truth; in life, careers and relationships.
Happy Val’s day.
Paul Olaleye.
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
Friday, 12 November 2010
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Friday, 5 November 2010
Wednesday, 3 November 2010
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
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