"Ditto"

I interminably ponder, pray, think and reflect on my life and the lessons I’ve learned. I often wonder why it seems as though I keep getting the same rhetoric over and over again. I’ve met multitudes of people during my sojourn in life. Many people are downright fascinating; others are highly intelligent; some spiel nothing but vile and contempt. I befriend people on their terms and accept their perception of themselves until proven otherwise.

I am always frank and genuine with everyone I meet about who I am, what I believe and how I think. I expect them to be the same with me.  Invariably, I’m faced with the same dilemma. I discover that some people are not who they claim to be. Although I’m sometimes disappointed, I do not judge them. But I also can no longer trust them; because what they do screams louder than what they say.

Through my musings I’ve come to realize that not all the hardships I’ve experienced were for my own reproach. Rather much of the sufferings I’ve endured were simply to be used as an exemplar of compassion and kindness despite constant betrayals, hypocrisies or perjuries. It was after internalizing this truth that I received yet another parable.

An important hallmark of a successful teacher is to create an efficacious lesson plan. Once established, effectively utilized and routinely updated, it can edify students for years. Instructors provide dittos to the students and concentrate on teaching, instead of the preparation of the lesson. By designing a credible lesson plan, the teacher may refer to the ditto, but only to expound on it rather than teach from it. This is where the parable comes in…

“People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.” Perhaps the reason we have met was for me to demonstrate to you that most people are basically good-natured and kind. Maybe it was to encourage you to continue to strive despite tremendous opposition. Quite possibly, I may have been the “ditto” that the Teacher prepared for you. Your reaction to the lesson depends entirely on your willingness to learn. No matter what the injustices inflicted upon me, I will continue to be charitable, considerate and compassionate. At some point, I will walk away because the lesson has been imparted and my role in your story has ended. But I will never stop caring.

Every person is the Teacher’s “ditto.” Everyone has some talent and message to share to enrich the lives of others. No one is perfect. There are countless lessons to be appreciated and understood. Only after much contemplation did I discover my adversities were opportunities to nurture others. While I may not like some people, what they say or do, I absolutely refuse to hate anyone. That takes way too much energy better served elsewhere. And I’m positive I learned that important credence from another “ditto.”