A Wandering Thought
THE genius, Albert Einstein, once quipped, nothing changes until something moves. Although his expertise was physics, I believe many of his findings and teachings corroborates efficaciously with sociology. For, humans, are the greatest objects on Earth. No, we are the greatest objects in creation as the Psalmist poetical grandiloquence highlights in Psalm 8. If we look closely enough, if we study with an open mind, then we will notice that all truth is interconnected. The question isn’t how its connected, rather as students of life, we must search for which piece connects to which. The sagacious quip mentioned earlier prepares us for our greatest responsibility—human relationship.
Nothing changes until something moves.
There are many circumstances or emotions which can prolong human relationships, irrespective if they are positive or negative. Little effort is needed to continue a relationship, just as one pocket of air can save a drowning man. It is possible for the quality of a relationship to wither, although its quantity can stretch over time. Usually, this bond persists out of legalism. For example, two individuals may stay together for children or economic dependency. But, if done long enough even legalism can mature into willful, unconditional love. The slow drip of a faucet can carve a deep hole into a rock. Yet, only one roadblock can stymie the purest relationship—communication.
In relation to human relationship Einstein’s teaching can be applied to the cessation of a relationship. As I reflect upon my own dormant relationships, I find that the cessation is caused by my pride. I adamantly convince myself that the other person should do this or that, and until it happens, we have no reason to communicate. Who am I to give a prerequisite to my love? My pride blinds me to self-criticism and induces a victim mentality that seeps through my veins. With the passing of time, under my titanic emotion, I become callous and hide truth once learned in 1 Corinthians 13: love keeps no records of wrongs. I have come to understand what Martin Luther King, Jr once taught, “Hate is too great of a burden to bear.” Although I know and teach others the first quality of love, patience, I haven’t realized the danger of impatience. Impatience can doom the goal of genuine understanding, which correlates to sincere love. Anything that isn’t growing is dead. In relationships, only love can resurrect. Unless I learn to clothe myself with humility, nothing will change. Ironic, according to Einstein’s wisdom, the external change must first happen internally. The seed must break to release its roots.
“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
