Conversation with a brother.

Things have changed a lot. After years of keeping and making our lives busy for what the world pushes us to work for, we have realized so many things, so many realities. These just appeared to us unexpectedly. But it seemed to be perfectly matched to what it really matters in the world we are in.

I had a classmate in college whom I usually my companion in drinking sessions and study periods.  Looking back to what life we had in the formation, was quite incredible somehow immaturity really lingers in our juvenile minds and reasons. Now, he is a teacher in a Catholic institution somewhere in our city. For quite a year, he has already accustomed of what image and ethical standards he has to project and act. I invited him for a lunch. I presumed that his classes were dismissed before the noontime for a lunch break.

We have several conversations before talking about what life we had in the seminary formation. But now a different subject matter reveals vividly in the dialogue.  Somewhat like a predominantly a more mature theme disclosed. Actually, we missed a lot the discourse we used to tackle when we were in the seminary formation.

Since we took Philosophy as a degree, we are fond of thinking and philosophizing at some point. But we are not that very proficient on that account. But we can discuss. We can argue. We can reason out. We can offer fair argument. We can refute. We can affirm. We can decide to what we believe is right and true.

The tête-à-tête swirled for quite sometimes and learned the following things.

Put the pride beside.

Pride might somehow a source of evil, root of greediness and anger. We believe that pride is also an essence and part and parcel of being human. Pride might not only connote negative ideals but a positive one as well. Pride and proud usually are interrelated. Both capture honour and personal excellence. But to too much of it will push towards an imbalanced vanity.

It came across, that when we are in relationship, whatever it is, in family, co-workers, special someone, putting the pride beside is a task for us to maintain good relationship. Though how hard to think and control it, but we need to. For both of us who understood, we act as we understand.

Bear it.

The environment is perfectly imperfect. Fools might be around. But goodness always wins. The challenge of environment we work with is new to us. Idealism is still part of our struggle. The pain of realities confronted us without malice. Rather than to avoid it, bear it. For bearing it, it does not mean foolishness. Instead, it signifies strengths and compassion to the subject.

Wait until it is gone.

Anger is a natural emotional reaction. Anger occurs usually because of dissatisfaction, of irritation, of feeling embarrassed. In confronting anger of other people, we realized that waiting is worthy than setting yourself to a hasty solution. If we have been in a situation of defying the anger of another person, we will just wait until it is gone.

Learn from it.

With all those experiences, we are called to learn from it.

Have fun.

Enjoy and have fun.