I have been watching how these plants planted about fourteen years back outside the Big Bungalow in the CMC campus at Bhagayam grow. The similar plants in pairs through the years maintained a different growth profile. Now the similar plants look different in height, shoots and foliage.
One of the regular comments I hear when talking to the leaders of different organisations is that people behave differently although they work and grow in similar circumstances and environment. The Biblical story of Jacob and Esau (Genesis. chapters :25, 27and 28)prop up in my mind with two different temperaments, habits, interests, attitude, self regard, work ethics, etc. when I listen to such narrations.
Often these differences become a reason for misunderstanding, competition and conflict.
Instead, I wonder whether we can look at the elegant appearance of these plants just as they are, adorning the central part of the lawn, giving a grandiose look to the Bungalow, which is now nearing 100 years since its construction.
Our differences in outlook or approach to issues do not matter if we have similar, values, God consciousness, serving attitude and loyalty to the mission we are engaged in.
Let me suggest the God of our lives make us different to make the garden of His making rich and diverse just as it is the differently made pieces that constitute a puzzle. We are not meant for a solo journey of pilgrimage but together in mutuality and togetherness. The differences make the total even more rich and complete!
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
No comments:
Post a Comment