Beyond the Clouds by Fr. Jacob Nampudakam, S.A.C. | Page 96

Secondly, it is our attitude or inner disposition towards the tasks entrusted to
us, rather than its demand, that takes away our energy. It is not the size of the
assignment, but our mindset towards it. For example, we come across people
who have a tremendous capacity to manage so many different responsibilities
simultaneously. They pursue and accomplish them all without great strain or
worry. Then, we may also come across people who find it hard when two or
three duties are given to them.
It is true that all of us feel a certain amount of tension when faced with very
challenging tasks. But we are not crushed by them. In a proper growth process,
we will learn to manage the daily activities without undue tension. This is
considered one of the signs of healthy, mature self-development. As St. Pope
John XXIII said, “we are like wine- some turn to vinegar, but the best improve
with age!”
Nevertheless, one of the principle reasons for our stress and tension is the fear
of failure, and the consequences associated with it. Will I succeed? What will
others say? For a person lacking self-confidence and adequate preparation to
meet the challenges, there can be too many inner struggles that will begin to
eat away his energy before the work is even started. Therefore, let’s look again
to St. John XXIII, who tells us,
“Consult not your fears, but your hopes and dreams.
Think not about our frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential.
Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what is still
possible for you to do.”
The third and most important motive is our faith in the Supreme Control
tower; the Lord of the Universe. Some may not believe in Him, that is their
choice and we need to respect that. But my own choice is to believe and trust
in this Supreme Being who is my Creator, my loving Father and my Saviour.
He is the Alpha and the Omega!
On the internet there is a program to find the paths of planes flying around
the world. We need only to look at the sky above an airport like London to
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