During our lifetime, we face many obstacles and problems. Today, however, we shall talk about the “temptations”: for the path includes certain temptations that stray man from his goals. That is why some sages assert that a person who sets goals is never attentive to temptations. Temptations lure man to deviate from his path through deceiving him by rest, strength, and happiness.
Rest can tempt some people to believe it can give them happiness. Yet, they are heedless that it steals the time which should, otherwise, be dedicated to work and achievement. Those who relish success and uniqueness have to recognize the importance of exerting effort. According to William Shakespeare, “Three phrases lead to success: Be more knowledgeable than others. Work more than others. Expect less than others do.”
Another category of people thinks that rest helps them evade the difficulties that obstruct their path. So, they strive to do so by all means, heedless that sometimes these difficulties make the recipe of success.
Here, one would recall the story of the British novelist Joanne Rowling who penned “Harry Potter”. Though she did not do well at the first semester, she decided to excel her colleagues. She did so on the following semester, having decided to study harder. Later, Rowling traveled to Portugal to teach English Language and get married. Her husband was jealous, which caused trouble. So much so that he kicked her and their child out of the house at dawn! She left Portugal and returned to England, only to lead a destitute life with her sister. However, she resorted to a social service office to get some money for renting a house and rearing her child.
Rowling did not give up to the failures that filled her life. Rather, she started looking for her talents. So, she began writing a novel based on the fairy tales she read and heard. Upon finishing the novel, she presented it to a number of publishers who rejected it. Yet, she did not despair, and continued to present her novel until the thirteenth publisher accepted it! He had already established a new department for publishing youth’s stories. So, he published her “Harry Potter”. Thus, Rowling’s failure was changed to worldwide success. She became the wealthiest woman in Britain within less than ten years! The difficulties she encountered motivated her to look for her talents, which enabled her to overcome despair, poverty, and failure.
So, be sure that rest can sometimes conceal your treasures. It can hinder your success.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
