After almost six weeks in the Middle Ages, Arcadia and Braeside (two suburbs in Harare),finally stepped out of 1492 back into the 21st Century, when power returned to most areas in the last week. I am reliably informed that shouts, whistles and other joyful sounds could be heard the night that power returned, as most residents fumbled for light switches, put the kettle on and did a quick refresher course on, among other things, how to use their now unfamiliar TV's.
But seriously, are there any lessons to be learnt from 6 weeks of darkness? One would think, perhaps not—besides I suppose, learning how to use a gel stove and how to start a fire in 60 seconds. For many residents, it was probably another opportunity to grumble about yet another problem. The thought just occurred to me the other day: patience and endurance are qualities we admire in people who have them. There are people who face much more serious trials – certainly more serious than not having electricity for six weeks. We admire their strength and patience in difficult circumstances and often mutter to ourselves, “I wish I had that kind of patience. That kind of forgiveness.”
But then; how do we get or develop these qualities? I mean, how do I get more patient? How can I develop more…um… staying power or endurance, when things go pear shaped? Perhaps I should ask, “How else can I develop patience, except through difficult circumstances?” How do I learn forgiveness without the opportunity to practice it? Troubles can shape our character (if we let them) like a sculptor chisels away at a piece of rock, or they can destroy our resolve to go on. Some have gone through hell and seem to have more substance to their character: more patience and perhaps more grateful. Others have had similar experiences and ended up bitter, disheartened and … let’s say worse off emotionally. Nobody wants to go through hardships in any form, but when they do show up (and they do always – in different forms) how do we handle them? What will my attitude be? Will it be: I won’t let this break me! Or is it: God get me out of here right now!! One thing I’ve learnt is that you cannot develop certain qualities from reading a book – even a good one!
