Karen Salmansohn a Philadelphia born self-help book author and designer once remarked: “Choose to focus your time, energy and conversation around people who inspire you, support you and help you to grow into your happiest, strongest, wisest self.” Proverbs 16:16 states: “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!”
It has often been suggested that: "Schooldays are the happiest days of your life." Some, however, would vehemently disagree with that statement and consider that they are probably the worst. It largely depends on one's experiences and how fruitful attending school was. Either conclusion is obviously reached on an individual basis depending upon the circumstances. As in most professional occupations, there are the good and there are the bad pedagogues. If the pupil faired well, enjoyed the experience, and left with reasonable qualifications then the chances are that fond memories will usually exist. However, if the teachers were of a poor standard and didn't really care about the progress of the students in their charge, the opposite is more likely to be applicable. It must be said, however, that most teachers are dedicated in providing the best learning experience possible and aim to aspire their student’s ambitions to greater achievements.
Those who unfortunately suffered at the hands of bullies during their time, were probably not only keen to end their term of schooling but extremely relieved at the prospect of finally leaving their overbearing and arduous phenomenons. Schooldays are considered a prominent part of the initial learning curve and are an important aspect of life. They are usually one of the first stages in acquiring knowledge and wisdom. Proverbs 18:15 reminds us: “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”
The fruitfulness of our learning experience will depend largely on our own application and dedication to making the most of what is available. However, it should be remembered that schooling also provides the ability to socially interact with one another and acquire the necessary skills to communicate effectively. Proverbs 4:6-7 states: "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
Barbados is an island located in the southeastern Caribbean Sea about one hundred miles east of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The island is an ex-British colony and is often considered a holiday paradise by visitors. It is situated 4160 miles from the United Kingdom and 2092 miles from New York. Its highest temperature is considered to be around 31 degrees Celsius between the months of May and September. As of 2019, it had a recorded population of 287,025 persons. Barbados hosts barrier reefs that are positioned approximately two and a half miles from the shoreline and are renowned for their large coral heads that become the residential habitat for thousands of variant multi-colored tropical fish.
It was a beautiful day on the palm-fringed white sandy beach situated on the coast of St. James. The sun shimmered on the surface of the clear waters of the Caribbean and it was a pleasant 29 degrees Celsius.
A twenty-seven-year-old girl, dressed in a white swimsuit, was walking slowly along the beach collecting several shells made of coral. She would stop from time to time to view in awe the beautiful colors and markings incorporated within them. To her, it truly was an idyllic paradise being on that beautiful beach. As she walked along further, she saw a Caucasian man in his late sixties sitting in the shade underneath a tree, he was sipping a glass of orange juice with sparkling lemonade. As the beach was virtually deserted, she approached the man to say. “Good morning.” He smiled and returned the pleasantry. They began to chat and she discovered that he lived on the island in a small villa just a short stroll from where he was sitting. His voice sounded familiar and the more she looked at him the more it seemed that they had experienced a previous encounter.
She remarked: "I am sure that we have met before some years ago. You present an appearance of being a little older in looks from what I remember, but your voice appears very familiar. It is quite distinctive. How long have you lived here?" "Oh, I have lived here for five years now, since my retirement." He replied. "What was your occupation?" She enquired. "I was a school teacher." He remarked. "That's interesting." She stated. "What school did you teach in?" "Abingdale High School." He replied. With that, the girl smiled and asked: "You are not Mr. Preston, the maths master, are you?" "Yes." He replied. "How extraordinary!" She exclaimed. "I was in your class and I had a little schoolgirl crush on you as you were so kind and helpful to me when I was struggling with mathematical problems. My name is Sarah Montgomery." "Oh yes." He responded, "I remember you very well. What a small world it is?" Proverbs 1:5 reminds us: “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.”
She sat down beside him in the shade and continued: "Schooldays are often considered the happiest days of your life and to a large extent I believe that to be true. Sometimes I struggled with my learning. I was not a good scholar. I could be considered a slow learner. But I was so grateful for all the kind help you gave me in what was considered my worst subject. You were truly an inspirational teacher who was ideally suited to your vocation. Thanks to you, I managed to obtain a degree in mathematics at university and subsequently, after a further period of study, was successful in becoming a Chartered Accountant for a large firm in the city, where I now work.
I am on a three-week holiday of a lifetime and meeting you has just made it perfect and complete. I never expected to meet someone I have known in my past so many miles from home in such a far-off and distant land. It is really quite extraordinary. I will remember this holiday forever." Over the remaining days of her holiday, they met several times to chat and reflect on past days of happiness and success.
On the final night of her holiday, they even had a meal together at a local restaurant. Proverbs 3:13-18 confirms: “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.”
Amen.
