The Cooling Stream

Some of us derive great pleasure spending time with children.

Children talk innocently and are always lovely; they play with all their hearts out, and can always make you sing and cry along; they always concentrate their effort and time on what they do, and can accomplished given tasks in a short time; they can share almost anything they have, and are very keen to assist and help others.

Everything is so natural; everything seems so simple; and everything is so fulfilling, pleasing and satisfying.

Now that we have grown, what have we become? Many of us are so artificial and fake; so hard to understand, appreciate, and respect; so selfish and individualistic; and so vulnerable and reluctant to help.

God has created us, provide for us and sustain us. But look what we have become today.

Sometimes I don’t really understand this world. But they said you don’t have to understand it, just accept everything that is. But look at our educational system, our management theories, and our various political parties running the country, and the ever increasing natural catastrophes and man-made disasters lately …..

There is not much good news; things are getting worse. Some said the world is coming to the end; many people are talking about it now.

This is life, don’t argue; just follow the system.

The world has become so ugly and gloomy. But it needn’t have to be like that.

Some said there is still a sanctuary, a place of hope, peace, and joy. The other world is waiting, only if you know where and care to go there.

Oh God, give me the Light, show me the Path, and lead me the Way.

“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:16-17).

The children are smiling, laughing and continue to do everything well.

For they are in a home; it is a heavenly home.

Feeling frustrated is not unusual; it is part of human nature.

We tend to get upset when we don’t like what life is treating us.

Some people become withdrawn when getting frustrated and stressed; they get worked up when people don’t listen to them or do what they say.

Some people blame it on others when they are frustrated and depressed; they make a scene, cry and say things they don’t really mean to, hurting and embarrassing others.

Some people blame it on their fate; they think they are destined to fail in everything they do; they are slowly brought to accept that they are born a downright loser and a quitter.

Some resort to careless and extravagant spending, uncontrolled eating and excessive intake, causing more personal inferiority, emotional outbreak, and extreme anger.

Frustration, stress, and depression can be overwhelming; it can really dull our sensibility, adversely affect our capability, and bring about chronic diseases.

The next time we get frustrated, maybe we need a quiet place to talk to ourselves or our loved ones.

Harming oneself and hurting others are not good remedies; it will never do anyone good.

The ability to analyze and understand ourselves is what we need, and it can be improved with knowledge and practice.

Prayer and meditation are helpful; ultimately it is the Almighty God that we have to give an account of our lives.

A quiet time is what I need to calm me down; but it is not easy……..

I received this email from a friend.

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed.

As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: "I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer. "Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children?"

"If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things."

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.

The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.

Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber:"You know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"

"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers do exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me."

"Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, does exist! That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

I was watching a badminton match.

It was a match between defending champion Lee Chong Wei and Ajay Jayram of India.

I was told it was the first time they met in badminton tournament.

I saw how Ajay won point after point at the beginning of every set.

He looked so very energetic and persistent, confident too.

That young lad looked promising and fairly fast.

Lee Chong Wei was sweating all over, but he looked cool, calm, unperturbed, never angry, and never excited.

I presumed he must be studying the match.

Every game is a match, but every match is not necessary a game.

It needs to strategize and plan wisely,

It needs timely and effective moves,

And it needs some sudden and surprise counter attacks to win.

I saw how Lee Chong Wei won in straight sets.

He had the final triumph.

Every game has a lot of useful things to learn.

We win by our capability and ability to study the match.

And this comes with knowledge, skill, and practices.

If only we are humble enough to learn the game; we may be able to achieve greater height and success in the future.

Life is not a bed of roses; it is not a bowl of cherries or a box of chocolate. Life is a succession of lessons that must be lived to be understood; it is a tale of successes and failures.

Some go through life smooth sailing; others have to face many trails and difficulties. Whatever it is, we must get ready.

Different people have different way to deal with difficult situations. Some are tough going and fight their way through; they wouldn’t bow down to pressure and give way. They patiently bear all that is to bear and struggle and fight for survival. Some have thrived well and have come out victors.

Some compromise along the way; they adapt to their difficult situations. They patiently wait for every available opportunity. Sometimes they have to forgo their pride and ego; sometimes they have to give in to every whim and fancy of the authorities. Many have to make many personal sacrifices and let their loved ones down. It is not easy for them, but it must be done. Some have thrived well and enjoy the fruit of their labor.

Some give in without a fight; they bow down easily to pressure and humiliation. They fail miserably and hate the whole experience. Many have ended up a loser and a loner; they live and survive under the shadow of another, and toil for most of their time.

Whatever happens, everyone will meet their own end. And it will all come back to the conscience, when the creatures have to meet with the Creator. And begin to settle the account of their lives.

Oh, difficult situations, everywhere and every time.

Who have never toiled in their lives?