I counted seven hues of different colours in this water Lily, growing in a pot of water near the car park at the hospital. I could not have guessed most of the colours in this rich spectrum of light colours on the petals of this flower. It was a bud covered in not so attractive covering.
It is a metaphor to human character. From hearing, seeing or reading about a person, we might form an opinion about a person. But it is in relationship we are drawn into what is concealed by the exterior.
We come across shocking and disturbing discoveries of people when we draw near to them sometimes. I had an experience of this today, when a timber merchant refused to pay the amount earlier agreed upon by him after felling the trees. I was ready to be concessional in case he suffered a loss. But he was unreasonably impolite.
But I have a vivid memory of another type of experience from a driver of a load carrier, who after the wedding of his daughter brought to us a large collection of eatables prepared during the few functions connected with the marriage. He told us that, it was an acknowledgement of courtesies he received form us on few occasions we used him to transport goods. He invited us to his home to meet the couple.
I have known both the people for a while. Both appeared relationally easy to get along. But they followed different track of behaviour in a relational setting.
All of us like to relate to others who reciprocate meaningfully. But there are occasions when we need to be ready to face the harsh reality of being let down or wrongly treated or battered by their language of intimidation.
What matters is how we are to others when the going gets tough!
How wonderful if others can discover more goodness in us even when we are in adverse situations or provocations!
That is my learning intent as I look forward to the season ahead!
M.C.Mathew (text and photo)
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