He wished he had never met that friend with whom he had mutual dreams, for, suddenly, their friendship faded and a conflict broke out between them.
Situations popped into his head, along with words of affection and loyalty which both of them used to utter, only to give rise to one question, “Why did it happen? How?” Words started to get louder until they changed to anger that confused him and made him wish he had not met that person!
Many times, man questions his relation with others and develops such wishes as “I wish I knew” or “I wish I didn’t know”. Yet, we have to realize that life is a journey in which we encounter several types of people, each of whom has a unique character. Some have such good attributes that you wish they never left you, and others are so bad that you wish you’d never met them. Yet, whoever you meet offers you a portion of experience in life. Hence, it is said, “Each person you meet has a role: one loves you, another teaches you, and a third tests you!”
Before we tackle some characters you meet in your journey, I have to clarify that some people think they can only deal with the type they choose, or limit their dealings to the ones they love. Yet, this is unrealistic: for you deal with a variety of people, and have to learn to understand the nature of each type and the space he occupies in your life.
Some Love You
During your lifetime, you encounter good, loving, and generous people who never hurt anybody, no matter how he behaves. They just avoid him; but continue to love him. They are the pure in heart that spread a sweet aroma in life.
Likewise, one meets honest, committed people who exert a lot of effort to be up to their responsibilities. This type does not need to be reminded of his duties, for they hurry to perform them happily, especially toward the ones they love. They are happy to make others happy. This reminds me of Gibran’s very words, “Isn’t virtue the reward of virtue?”
These are hope-inspiring hearts.
We shall continue…
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center