‘Tree that grows crooked its trunk never straightens.’
We all have, most probably, received lots of love, advice, modelling, and education from our parents and teachers. So, why do some of us still struggle throughout our life? If not on a continuous basis, at least during some periods of our growth journey?
We can indeed overcome the obstacles we may find on the way, if we have the necessary strengths and preparation. But we can’t do this alone. The reality is that depending only on ourselves, we won’t get very far; depending only on our strengths, we won’t get anything done. We need heavenly, as well as earthly, help. And some wisdom.
When we fail at something that we thought we were prepared for, we realize that we are still weak and that we need to learn more. But if we have some wisdom, we will not become demoralized and we will move on. Certainly, we can have the necessary strengths to face any situation in life, if we know our weaknesses and persevere in continuing developing ourselves.
God will present us with countless opportunities to achieve everything we strive for.
He also gave us free will to decide whether we take an opportunity or not. But every opportunity will present challenges as well, but that should not demoralize us either. Taking those opportunities will bear fruit and surely not only for ourselves. We are part of a family, a society, a country and of a planet, and all can benefit from our correct behaviour and by the benevolent harvest that we produce.
It is true that everyone is unique, with his own thoughts, feelings, and behaviour, not moulded only by one’s genetics, but also by the teachings from the surrounding circumstances in which we grew up, the relationships around us, and the experiences that we go through during our growth journey. But, regardless, if we have wisdom, we will not deviate from the right path, the one that is lit up, the one that leads us to life; a life that will bear fruit.
As we have free will, the choice between life and death is ours.
“Life and death are set before man: whichever a man prefers will be given him.”
Sirach 15:17 b