A few sundays ago, a priest gave a powerful sermon celebrating the Epiphany of Christ Jesus. There were 5 lessons in all. One struck me, I couldn’t shirk it off. It was that, ‘not everyone will be happy at your joy and success.’
He narrated how King Herod on hearing that Christ will be born in Bethlehem, instructed the wise men to locate the baby Jesus, so that he too may come and worship Him. Whereas, King Herod’s real intention was to kill the Christ.
For a few minutes, I pondered. I couldn’t get my head round this teaching which in itself was an epiphany of life’s truth and wisdom; that some people go as far as intending to harm and maim others for merely fulfilling their destinies, hmmm.
Ah! That was a hard one to digest I must say.
I mean, I could be having an awful day and the best thing that happens to me is to hear someone’s good news.
I could be feeling down and blue and a phone call or a celebration post is the light of my day.
When nothing good is happening, I take charge to create good news for others, it gives me an uplift. I find sharing in others’ joy is great medication for sadness.
Then, I remembered years ago before I got married. I invited a girlfriend to attend a Christening. I was shocked to learn she did not want to attend, because in her own words, it reminded her of the desires of her heart; marriage and children, that she had not yet accomplished.
I was gobsmacked, then worried and tried to convince her otherwise, till I realised the seriousness in her voice.
She explained that she stopped attending friends’ weddings because they made her very sad. She was semi-shouting as she continued to express how depressed weddings made her feel.
I listened, I tried to understand, but my empathy soon turned to fear, and fear is not a good foundation for any friendship. So, I kept my distance from her thereafter. Years later, she happened to ring me a few days before my wedding. Despite my excitement to hear from her, let’s just say, I kept my mouth shut about my wedding🤐. I was not ready for drama.
The sermon was a powerful reminder to be very aware. Though I do not make ‘bad belle’ people my focus. I agree with Wande Coal when he sings ‘Bumper to bumper…bad belle people come, we accelerate.’
Once I sense them, I accelerate and keep my distance. The ones that are too crafty to be detected, I pray to God to blind me and my family from their sight.
Anyway, how does this relate to this season?
Be careful who you share your plans with. Not everyone is in your corner.
To some people, you represent, everything they desire but have not achieved.
They are irritated by your wins. They are not happy for you. They are upset that you are making plans to propel.
But you can’t dim your light because of them. No way. Your destiny is sure. Rather;
Keep your distance.
Be very discerning and very prayerful.
Remain grateful. Remain blessed.
Your thoughts?
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