What I’ve Learnt As I Grow Older!
Proverbs 1
KJV
8+ My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
In life, only a few were privileged to sit at the feet of their parents to be told (taught) what life is about. The majority were compelled to learn the hard way, some deliberately, while others did so through circumstances beyond their control.
Growing up, I heard a proverb that stuck with me. It says “If you don’t have a father and by chance you happen to be walking behind a window and hear a father admonishing his son, stop and listen! “
“Eavesdropping” is what this is called, and it is highly recommended for good purposes; the unfortunate thing is majority eavesdrop on bad stories ( toli) instead of the good. I hereby share with you some “eavesdropping” lessons and personal life experiences I gathered!
That things will “fall apart” in life is a certainty, so prepare for it. All will not be rosy in life is an undeniable fact, for every life must of necessity go through turbulences!
Develop and nurture a strong character and mindset that will carry you through the ups and downs. You’ll need these to go through this journey called life. A strong and resilient mindset and spirit.
There will be moments of joy and moments of sorrow, moments of pain and moments of pleasure, cries and laughter! In short, none is immune to the ups and downs associated with life! Just like how not every visitor is welcomed into our lives even so are some encounters we experience in life!
There will be a time when you’ll be relevant and another when you’ll not, know this and learn to live with it when that time comes.
If you’re left out of plans, programs and invitations do not complain. Adopt the policy “ if not invited, don’t go” If not told, don’t ask! Here is how you’ll maintain your sanity and peace. It is not every place you must desire to be, and not every thing you should hear or know! Do not attempt to play God! !
There will be a time when you’ll be loved, and there will be a time when you’ll be despised and hated! The very people who today lay their garments down for you to walk on, are the same people who will pull the same garments from under your feet in the next few years. ! So learn to walk on either red, green or bare floor! Be content in and with whatever situation /circumstance you’ll find yourself in.
( On my occasional morning walks I see some co-walkers, walk barefoot!)
There will be a time when you’ll be surrounded by many, and a time when only a few or none will be with you. So learn and practice how to be lonely! After all, you came alone and will go alone!
Learn not to play to the gallery, for the same gallery that enjoyed your play is the same that will condemn it when they find another player! So, do not trust or relish the applause of the gallery! Loyalty is a prostitute product which is sold and bought!
Even scriptures speak to this ;
Psalms 118
KJV
8 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.9+ It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.
Jeremiah 17:5
NIV
[5] This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.
Overly dependence on man is what is meant , this the wise must take to heart when dealing with Man! Do not be pessimistic but be optimistic in life. It is not all about “ pessimism “ but also “ optimism “. Balance.
These I wished I had known earlier! And like the proverb writer said ; the same I say to you who read this article;
Proverbs 4
KJV
10+ Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.
A word to the wise!
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