"Opportunities in Obstacles"
Post on: December 2, 2019
There once lived a king who had a habit of being curious over everything. One day, he wondered if his subjects would care about the well being of their fellow citizens. So, he approached his advisor for an answer.
The wise counsellor said, “As in everything in life, there are good and bad which permeates every facet of life. Why don’t we conduct an experiment to clarify our doubt?” So, the king decided to go ahead with the advice.
On the stipulated day of the test, he stopped his carriage en route to the park and walked across a narrow road. He then ordered his soldiers to place a huge boulder in the middle of the road.
He couldn’t contain his curiosity – “Are there citizens who value the upkeep of the country’s progress?” he wondered. Together with his advisor, he hid behind the bushes to see what would happen.
Soon, a few aristocrats passed by. They just looked the other way and continued their walk with their pompous analysis about the country’s economy. This was followed by some school teachers and a wealthy businessman.
All of them did not spare a thought to the “impediment” that lay in the middle of the road. Some had the audacity to blame the royalty for not maintaining the roads although this was an exception to the usually well-kept countryside.
“Collect our hard-earned money as taxes and yet neglect the citizen’s safety?” cried the disgruntled businessman.
Finally, a farmer passed by carrying a basketful of vegetables on his shoulder. He put his load down and attempted to push the boulder to the side. But it was in vain; however, he was not one who gave up easily. With a dogged determination and a herculean effort, he finally managed to push it away.
A surprise awaited him! The farmer saw a purse on the very spot of the boulder with a note accompanying it. The farmer beamed with joy when it finally began to sink in. The note stated, “This is the reward to the exemplary citizen who moves the obstacle in the form of a boulder. The gold coins in the purse are meant for your civic consciousness.”
Like in the story, the easy way out is to ignore the obstacle that comes our way. But if we are discerning to see the opportunities that lie within the obstacles, our lives can be improved. And by removing obstacles, someone else would benefit from our altruistic deed.
Think Big – It’s normal to get side-tracked and miss the big picture. People who have succeeded in life have gone through stumbling blocks and triumphed over it – nobody is immune from it. Obstacles are bound to come in our way while we pursue our life’s goal. Instead of giving up at the slightest impediments, work your way around the problems and formulate strategies… overcome your obstacles and keep your eyes transfixed on your goals.
For all the adversity that comes our way to dampen our progress, be cognizant that it also brings alongside it the seed of an equivalent opportunity.
By: Shaji Thomas Varughese
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