Thus, flexibility, as displayed by water, is a sign of life, while its opposite is an indicator of death. – Anthony Lawlor
By Kabiru Haruna, Asst. Director, Information and Public Relations
There’s wisdom in being flexible. During a windstorm, small trees like the fragile pawpaw and skinny guava stood firm, only slightly bent in the direction of the wind. This is an apt lesson in flexibility. These small trees, though fragile, were able to weather the storm by yielding to the force of the wind. They bent, but did not break.
In contrast, bigger trees stood rigidly in the way of the windstorm, refusing to yield. They were inflexible and unwilling to adapt to the changing circumstances. As a result, they collapsed and got crushed by the wind. Their rigidity proved to be their downfall.
This natural phenomenon holds a valuable lesson for us. Flexibility is a vital quality that enables us to navigate life’s challenges with ease. It allows us to adapt to changing circumstances, to bend but not break. On the other hand, rigidity and inflexibility can lead to disaster.
As the saying goes, “he who fights and runs away isn’t a coward, he simply lives to fight another day.” This means that knowing when to retreat and regroup is a sign of wisdom, not cowardice. Sometimes, it’s necessary to yield and come back stronger another day.
Meanwhile, the rigid ones are slain in the battlefield. They refuse to yield, refuse to adapt, and ultimately pay the price. Always remember that while there are some battles in life that must be fought, there are some that must be brought to an end. The wisdom lies in knowing which battles to fight and when to end them.
In conclusion, flexibility is a powerful quality that can help us navigate life’s challenges with ease. It allows us to adapt, to yield, and to come back stronger. Let us learn from the small trees that bend in the wind, and avoid the fate of the bigger trees that refuse to yield.
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