Alier Reng
Observations, reflections, and writings that stand on their own.
On Monday, February 16th, 2015, snow visited us in the South and fell for three days and nights. I had heard about severe winter in the Midwest and East Coast for years but never truly understood it until mother nature forced the lesson into my own bones.
On Tuesday afternoon, I ventured out to fetch fuel for the kitchen. Outside, I found my car blanketed in sleet and snow. I scraped it clear and drove to Kroger. Looking around the apartment complex, I saw trees clothed in sleety sheets of ice, drooping in veneration while singing:
Those whose burdens were unbearable had fallen to the ground—on their knees, on their sides, faces down—yet still they praised the Lord and beseeched his forgiveness. I could hear them singing:
That frigid climate coerced everything and everyone into obedience before their creator. The sleet forced cars sideways instead of forward or backward; human beings onto all fours instead of upright; trees to bow before the Lord.
Experience is indeed the best teacher.
© 2015 Alier Reng
Today, I have learned that a person's achievement is not measured by the height of the offices they held, but by the caliber of services they gave their people and the humility with which they served them.
Today, I have learned that a person's achievement is not measured by the number of degrees and certificates they have amassed, but by the fruits of the knowledge they gained while acquiring them.
Today, I have learned that a person's achievement is not measured by the amount of wealth they stockpiled, but by the strength and caliber of their deeds and the footprint they left behind on earth.
Today, I have learned that a person's achievement is not measured by how far ahead of others they are in life, but by how close they are to their people.
Today, I have learned that a true person does not hoard what they have, but shares it freely—for what is kept only for oneself rots, and what is given multiplies.
Today, I have learned that education is not a destination but an infinite journey—it begins with the first question and does not end until the last breath.
Today, I have learned that a true person must never deprive their mind of knowledge, but instead they should free it to explore and browse books of myriad kinds.
Today, I have learned that a person's strength is not measured by their physical might or how much people fear them, but by the quality of those they surround themselves with—family members, great friends, and colleagues.
Today, I have learned that a true person must never allow stinginess to define their life, but instead they must embrace generosity as their weapon of success.
Today, I have learned that a person must have adequate self-control, lest they become a slave of their earthly desires and a disgrace to their family and community.
Today, I have learned that a true person must present themselves with dignity at all times—clean in appearance, upright in conduct—regardless of how much or how little they possess.
Today, I have learned that the tongue has the power to build nations and the power to destroy them—and a wise person chooses their words the way a builder chooses their stones (James 3:5).
Today, I have learned that forgiveness is not weakness but the highest form of strength—for it frees the one who forgives more than the one who is forgiven.
Today, I have learned that a person's character is not revealed in times of comfort, but in times of hardship—when the ground shakes, only those with deep roots remain standing.
Today, I have learned that the greatest souls of all time did not wear pride and boastfulness on their faces, but instead gave up their lives to bring freedom to those who needed it the most.
© 2012 Alier Reng