History was my favourite subject in school, but I didn't think it was taught properly: too much emphasis on dates instead on events. Truly, almost all the events were initiated by men and women who wanted a better geographic condition (whether to secure, extend their lands and the people on the lands they live on).
In school, I felt that I understood geography intuitively. I liked knowing about new landscapes and new weather patterns. Living in Malaysia where it's always green, hot and wet, my vivid imagination got excitedly enriched with descriptions of deserts, winters, minerals and new tribes of people. I still love it today, which accounts for my wanderlust and penchant for old maps.
Image from Wikipedia; Ortelius' map of the world circa 1570
J and M are both naturally good in geography too. Guess they did get something from their Dad. More importantly, this talent of theirs became real because they inherited their Mum's drive and tenacity. Indeed, in a recent chat, I was telling her of three traits that propelled many to the TOP: talent, tenacity and team. To which, she quoted the old African proverb, "if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together".
Teaming is a difficult trait to develop. Because it involves others, and especially in a school setting where the others are almost always one's peers or superiors. J and M, because of their personalities (and a little bit be used of their birth sequence) have developed different styles to work with their teams. J takes on the toughest, heaviest load himself (both metaphorically and literally) and through example he leads his team. M is the empowering sort: she shapes a shared vision and enables others to do their thing. Whether commanding or empowering, I have no doubt they will continue to hone their teaming styles in their own unique way.
I may have talked more about teaming. That said, all three traits are essential. Talent without tenacity is unfulfilled potential. Tenacity without talent is aimless and at worst can be manipulated by the wrong leaders. Those who shape history have these three traits in abundance. When we read about these historical figures, it's almost like their lives were preordained and their place in history predestined.
The Bible tells us of three virtues: faith, hope and love which are infused into our souls along with sanctifying grace at the sacrament of baptisms. But what are these virtues in day-to-day on-the-ground terms. Those who have talent tend to be the most hopeful ones, because they have the potential. Those with tenacity have faith, because they know that by working harder, going further, they will reach their goal. And those who team well will need to always be giving and receiving love, that caring, kind selfless giving to each other. So, there you have it, these three traits are manifestations of having the three virtues. St Paul wrote that in the end, these three abides and the greatest of these is Love.
Love is first and foremost found at home. Then it has to spread out, to all our teams: in school, in sports, in the workplace and in the community, converting schoolmates, teammates, colleagues, customers and neighbours into friends and families.
Those who understand this, and have the talent and tenacity to drive their vision through are those who get closer to the TOP and I don't mean just TOP of this world, but that of the divine too.
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