Time either rounds off the rough edges or makes them sharper…
A new born is like a block of clay when it comes into the world. Some are big, others are small; some are dark, others are light; some are more delicate, others more durable. The environment, along with their parents, friends and teachers begin the important job of sculpting it, and in time, converting it into a work of art.
At first, the clay is soft and malleable. After, it is molded and then exposed to the environment which hardens it and determines its shape. In the same way, our morals, character and principles are formed as a result of what we have lived, giving way to our own work of art.
Each thing which happens in the minutes, hours and days of our lives are chisel marks which give form to our sculpture. Depending on the attitude we assume with each situation, we will round off the rough edges or make them sharper.
Let’s take the example of two brothers. Both are raised in the same place, with the same parents and under the same circumstances. By nature each is different and has his own character. While their experiences of life may be very similar, each forms his own work of art depending on his perspective.
One of them confronts challenge with gusto, while the other stays sleeping when faced with difficulty. One looks for an opportunity in each situation, while the other finds a problem in each opportunity. One receives advice with gratitude, while the other instead gets mad. One rises and rallies, while the other stays down and frowns.
What is the difference between these two people?
The difference isn’t economic, nor is it sociological. For some people difficulty serves to round off the rough edges, while for others it just makes them worse. This is the reason why we find some older people who are like precious gems, well polished by the challenges of life. Though things may bother them, they don’t let it take away their inner peace. Nevertheless, there are other people the same age, with similar problems who appear to be sharp edged stones which will cut or scratch us if we dare come too close.
Life is full of circumstances, which in the end, are very similar for all of us. We will experiment the ecstasy of victory, and too, the agony of defeat. We will feel the sweet sensation of being in love and too the bitter feeling of deception. Nevertheless, our work of art will depend on how we take each of these circumstances. We can let adversity flow softly over our soul rounding off the rough edges or reject it with rage and make them sharper.
∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL III 40