We are now entering the end of the year: the Festive season, Christmas time, a time for giving. And we all try to give, to different people and for different reasons. We sometimes give out of obligation, hopefully because we find joy in giving, does not matter the reason, we mostly find ourselves quite bankrupt at the end of December.
There are many charity organisations. They all try their best to help people both with needs and those in need. One very noble effort has focussed on the distribution of malaria nets into Africa. I am sure with such a huge effort there is also an educational leg attached to the distribution, explaining the use of such a life saving device. I do not doubt that malaria net distribution is making an impact on the incidence of malaria deaths, but I found it very ironic when I saw a picture of women, somewhere in Mid-Africa, who have received a malaria net. They did use the net, but not what it was intended for. They used the net to catch fish with.
Immediately my reaction was that of disgust. How could these people be so unthankful? But then I realised that it was a question of needs. They have been living with the fear and threat of malaria all their lives, they are used to it, it might or might not kill them. But if they do not have food on the table tonight, they will not survive and most probably will not have the immunity to fight against other diseases either.
So often we base the content of what is appropriate to give to others on our own perceptions and statistics. We hear that malaria is one of the most deadly diseases in Africa, so it makes sense; we have to find a way to prevent this.
But the people who are the victims do not read the statistics. They have to live in the Africa which we have analysed statistically. Should we have asked them, they most probably would have told us that they are hungry, and would be able to feed themselves if only they had a way to catch a fish.
Now during the time of giving, I think it is more important than ever to make sure that we address the needs of other through the way and the content of what we give.
Jesus was such a perfect example of this. He did not only go out to the people around Him and preached the word. Most of the time he also made sure that the people had bread to eat before he told them about the Bread of Life.
God also knew our deepest need. He knew that we were on the path of sin, unable to save ourselves. He therefor sent the perfect gift, the gift addressing our most eternal need – His son Jesus.
Maybe we should strive to also give as thoughtfully, focussing on the true needs of others.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Is jy 'n kamera- of 'n teleskoopmens?
Daar is min dinge in die lewe wat my soveel vreugde verskaf, as om fotos te kan neem. Daar is vele redes daarvoor, maar een van hulle is dat dit ‘n groot deel uitmaak van die skep van herinneringe en hoe ek die lewe beleef. Vir my voel dit asof ek die beste van die hede maak wanneer ek iets tasbaar daarvan saam met my die toekoms inneem.
Met die gevolg dat ek heelwat geld en tyd aan hierdie stokperdjie spandeer. Ek sal veel eerder vir my ‘n nuwe stukkie kameratoerusting aanskaf as ‘n ontwerpershandsak of ‘n paar skoene.
Nou tydens ons blaaskansie by Ngwenya is ek oudergewoonte weer met my kamera op die stoep, in die hoop om ‘n diertjie met my lens vas te trek.
Net langsaan ons huisie het ‘n oom dieselfde gedagte gehad, maar sy benadering was ietwat anders.
Hy het ook ‘n duur instrument gebruik om sy dierebelewenis uit te leef, maar weliswaar ‘n teleskoop wat hy as verkyker aanwend. Ek kon sommer sien: ‘n duur stukkie toerusting.
So hier staan ons twee toe: ek met my kamera en hy met sy teleskoop. Ons albei soek diere, maar elkeen van ons het sy eie doelwit.
So is ons almal maar: meeste van ons het dieselfde doelwitte. Ons wil almal suksesvol wees, graag ‘n gesin hê, gelukkig getroud wees, onthou word, iets beteken vir ons medemens.
Maar tog verskil ons belewenisse and lewensuitkyk.
Party van ons is fotomense. Ons geniet die hier en nou, maar is ook sentimenteel, lief daarvoor om ietsie oor te hou uit die verlede waaraan ons die volgende dag kan herkou. Ons neem prentjies uit ons verlede met ons saam, sodat ons kan terugkyk en onthou.
Ander weer is teleskoopmense. Ons soek voortdurend na nuwe ervaringe. Ons sal ekstra tyd, geld en energie spandeer om die perfekte oomblik te skep en te beleef. Maar wanneer ons daardie perfekte oomblik in focus gehad het, beleef het beweeg ons aan. Sonder om terug te kyk, soek ons na die volgende nuwe ervaring.
Is daar ‘n reg of ‘n verkeerd? Nee. Elke uitkyk het beslis sy voor- en nadele.
Kameramense geniet selfs die kleinste, eenvoudigste oomblik en gebaar. Hulle is ingestel op detail en meestal ook ander se gevoelens en die ge volge van hulle aksies. Ongelukkig raak die kiekieversamelaars, soms te nostalgies en kan hulle selfs in die verlede bly leef.
Die teleskoopkykers weer is altyd opsoek na nuwe avontuur. Hulle murmureer selde, is vol ambisie en dryfkrag, pret om saam mee te wees. Maar hulle raak gou verveeld en is altyd opsoek na plekke en mense wat hulle dikwels nie kan vind nie.
Wie jy ookal is, die belangrikste is om elke dag met ope arms te begroet en die beste van elke oomblik te maak. Dit maak nie saak of jy fotos neem of die lewe deur die lense van hier-en-nou beskou nie, maak die beste daarvan.
Wees wie jy moet wees.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Dignity
David Cooperrider describes the following as three universal needs of all people:
• Have a voice and be heard;
• Be viewed as essential to a group; and
• Be seen as unique and exceptional.
I would like to put all three into one condensed statement: to be treated with dignity and respect.
People who are valued, who are listened to, complemented on their performance become loyal to those from whom they receive respect. They are energised to perform better, work harder, all in order to be the person that the others believe they are.
We are destined to become the person who others believe we can be.
Not to say that it is not possible to rise against all odds, to rise above criticism and adversity. Yes, there are those people who are doing that, but they are few. They are the ones who can write a book about their lives afterwards and live off the profit. Unfortunately I am not one of those. God has been very generous to me. He has blessed me with wonderful supporting people, or rather mentors, along my life path who have blessed me with their insight and invaluable contributions.
All I can say – this has left me in debt, in debt with so many people. I realise that the only way I will ever be able to pay off that debt is through the investment in the lives of other people.
Because I was treated with dignity, because I was heard, valued and praised as being exceptional and unique, I have the insight into the power that this can have on the lives of others.
You can never fight to gain respect, you gain respect through being patient, stepping back sometimes, listening, without judging.
You might say – but nobody has ever treated me with dignity or respect, why should I go to lengths to do the same to others?
Because even if nobody has ever listened to you, valued you, Jesus did all of that for you. Jesus valued you enough to; while you were still a sinner, lay down his life for you. He did not ask if you deserved it, He did not ask if you will return the favour. He just did it (without any Nike sponsorship). Everything, so that you will never, ever have a reason not to feel valued.
• Have a voice and be heard;
• Be viewed as essential to a group; and
• Be seen as unique and exceptional.
I would like to put all three into one condensed statement: to be treated with dignity and respect.
People who are valued, who are listened to, complemented on their performance become loyal to those from whom they receive respect. They are energised to perform better, work harder, all in order to be the person that the others believe they are.
We are destined to become the person who others believe we can be.
Not to say that it is not possible to rise against all odds, to rise above criticism and adversity. Yes, there are those people who are doing that, but they are few. They are the ones who can write a book about their lives afterwards and live off the profit. Unfortunately I am not one of those. God has been very generous to me. He has blessed me with wonderful supporting people, or rather mentors, along my life path who have blessed me with their insight and invaluable contributions.
All I can say – this has left me in debt, in debt with so many people. I realise that the only way I will ever be able to pay off that debt is through the investment in the lives of other people.
Because I was treated with dignity, because I was heard, valued and praised as being exceptional and unique, I have the insight into the power that this can have on the lives of others.
You can never fight to gain respect, you gain respect through being patient, stepping back sometimes, listening, without judging.
You might say – but nobody has ever treated me with dignity or respect, why should I go to lengths to do the same to others?
Because even if nobody has ever listened to you, valued you, Jesus did all of that for you. Jesus valued you enough to; while you were still a sinner, lay down his life for you. He did not ask if you deserved it, He did not ask if you will return the favour. He just did it (without any Nike sponsorship). Everything, so that you will never, ever have a reason not to feel valued.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Pre-conceived Ideas
Preconceived notions are the locks on the door to wisdom. ~Merry Browne
We all plan, even if we try not to plan, somewhere in the back of your mind you try to prepare yourself for the future ahead.
In order to plan we need to create a picture of what we expect to happen in the future. We base this picture on many events from both our past and future. Most of us won’t start to plan our own wedding unless we have met a candidate that suits the description of future husband.
Planning in itself is an act that should bring us re-assurance, and ensure that our lives are heading in a certain direction. But with planning also comes a certain element of rigidity. If we do not control the action of planning, we can very easily become slaves of what I call the pre-conceived planning syndrome.
People suffering from this syndrome feel uncomfortable when life events do not happen according to their plans. Once an event does not fall within their planning schedule they either ignore it or try to change it.
Unfortunately there are many side effects of the pre-conceived planning syndrome. The sufferers feel that they lack energy, a vision. Their lives are predictable without excitement and adventure.
To all sufferers there is some good news. There are many ways to overcome the syndrome. One is to still plan – after all we all need some sort of security, but see the planning as part of the adventure. What do I mean by that? Rather view a plan as a framework, within which you can deviate and change. So make your plans broad and generalised, with enough room for growing and breathing. By doing this you will also find, that with time you handle events outside of your planning schedule with more ease.
Always remember – life is not meant to be planned, it is meant to be lived.
We all plan, even if we try not to plan, somewhere in the back of your mind you try to prepare yourself for the future ahead.
In order to plan we need to create a picture of what we expect to happen in the future. We base this picture on many events from both our past and future. Most of us won’t start to plan our own wedding unless we have met a candidate that suits the description of future husband.
Planning in itself is an act that should bring us re-assurance, and ensure that our lives are heading in a certain direction. But with planning also comes a certain element of rigidity. If we do not control the action of planning, we can very easily become slaves of what I call the pre-conceived planning syndrome.
People suffering from this syndrome feel uncomfortable when life events do not happen according to their plans. Once an event does not fall within their planning schedule they either ignore it or try to change it.
Unfortunately there are many side effects of the pre-conceived planning syndrome. The sufferers feel that they lack energy, a vision. Their lives are predictable without excitement and adventure.
To all sufferers there is some good news. There are many ways to overcome the syndrome. One is to still plan – after all we all need some sort of security, but see the planning as part of the adventure. What do I mean by that? Rather view a plan as a framework, within which you can deviate and change. So make your plans broad and generalised, with enough room for growing and breathing. By doing this you will also find, that with time you handle events outside of your planning schedule with more ease.
Always remember – life is not meant to be planned, it is meant to be lived.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Sjokolade
"The superiority of chocolate, both for health and nourishment, will soon give it the same preference over tea and coffee in America which it has in Spain." - Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was definitief ‘n man voor sy tyd. Ek kan net dink dat sy sjokolade-uitlating heel waarskynlik destyds met antagonisme begroet was.
Maar inderdaad, ‘n onlangse meta-analise van data het getoon dat gereelde sjokolade inname ‘n direkte effek op kardiovaskulệre risiko het. Dit verlaag die risiko vir hartsiekte met omtrent 37% en die risiko vir beroerte met 29%. Die blye nuus gekoppel hieraan is dat dit onafhanklik is van die tipe sjokolade. Goeie nuus vir die Cadbury-liefhebbers, wat maar langtand aan ‘n stukkie donkersjokolade wurg.
Ons leef mos maar almal vir daardie klein plesiertjies in die lewe. Sjokolade is definitief een van myne.
Wat dit soveel meer spesiaal maak, is dat die keuses oneinding is. Tog het ons almal ‘n gunsteling – daardie een sjokolade wat ‘n gaatjie regdeur die harstnare boor.
Sjokolade is altyd ‘n welcome geskenk, want voel jy te skuldig om dit self aan te skaf, kan jy beslis nie te skuldig voel wanneer jy dit as geskenk ontvang het nie. Niemand kyk ‘n gegewe sjokoladeperk in die bek nie.
Sjokolade is veelsydig. Dit was met vreugde dat ek die laaste tyd die kookneigings dopgehou het – deesdae is sjokolade beslis nie meer net op die poedingpyskaart nie.
Behalwe dat ek sjokolade geniet en waardeer, is daar soveel herinneringe in sjokolade-ervarings opgesluit. Ek sal altyd Nutties assosieer met aande by die staatsteater, Astros as flieksjokolade en vir my en Mario het Lindorballetjies ‘n spesiale betekenis, want ons het ‘n ritueel dat jy met toe oë ‘n Lindorballetjie uit die boks moet kies.
Wel, een dink is verseker – met die blye nuus dat Thomas Jefferson toe al die jare reg was oor die gesondheisvoordele van sjokolade inname, is daar geen keer meer nie. Een ding sal beslis nooit weer deel van my sjokolade oomblikke wees nie – skuldgevoel.
Thomas Jefferson was definitief ‘n man voor sy tyd. Ek kan net dink dat sy sjokolade-uitlating heel waarskynlik destyds met antagonisme begroet was.
Maar inderdaad, ‘n onlangse meta-analise van data het getoon dat gereelde sjokolade inname ‘n direkte effek op kardiovaskulệre risiko het. Dit verlaag die risiko vir hartsiekte met omtrent 37% en die risiko vir beroerte met 29%. Die blye nuus gekoppel hieraan is dat dit onafhanklik is van die tipe sjokolade. Goeie nuus vir die Cadbury-liefhebbers, wat maar langtand aan ‘n stukkie donkersjokolade wurg.
Ons leef mos maar almal vir daardie klein plesiertjies in die lewe. Sjokolade is definitief een van myne.
Wat dit soveel meer spesiaal maak, is dat die keuses oneinding is. Tog het ons almal ‘n gunsteling – daardie een sjokolade wat ‘n gaatjie regdeur die harstnare boor.
Sjokolade is altyd ‘n welcome geskenk, want voel jy te skuldig om dit self aan te skaf, kan jy beslis nie te skuldig voel wanneer jy dit as geskenk ontvang het nie. Niemand kyk ‘n gegewe sjokoladeperk in die bek nie.
Sjokolade is veelsydig. Dit was met vreugde dat ek die laaste tyd die kookneigings dopgehou het – deesdae is sjokolade beslis nie meer net op die poedingpyskaart nie.
Behalwe dat ek sjokolade geniet en waardeer, is daar soveel herinneringe in sjokolade-ervarings opgesluit. Ek sal altyd Nutties assosieer met aande by die staatsteater, Astros as flieksjokolade en vir my en Mario het Lindorballetjies ‘n spesiale betekenis, want ons het ‘n ritueel dat jy met toe oë ‘n Lindorballetjie uit die boks moet kies.
Wel, een dink is verseker – met die blye nuus dat Thomas Jefferson toe al die jare reg was oor die gesondheisvoordele van sjokolade inname, is daar geen keer meer nie. Een ding sal beslis nooit weer deel van my sjokolade oomblikke wees nie – skuldgevoel.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Proposing a Toast
Proposing a toast or drinking a toast to someone has a few explanations. Most of them does relate to actual toast though. According to legend the word is derived from the 18th century English custom of covering a glass of hot wine with a slice of toast. It was then passed around the table. Each person had the opportunity to lift the toast, take a sip of wine and say a few words. The glass ended up with the person being “toasted”, who got to eat the piece of bread.
I am always interested in these useless, but very interesting bits of information.
Another interesting custom around the drinking table is the lifting and touching of glasses. There was also significance in that. The touching of the glasses, while people were looking each other in the eye had the purpose of actually mixing the content of your own glass with that of the person you were toasting with. In that way you it was ensured that nobody at the table were at the risk of being poisoned.
All very interesting, but through reading it all I realised that the act of dining and having a drink together is very significant. It is an opportunity to wish someone well, an opportunity to interact, find out how someone is really doing. I think it is very difficult to hide being unwell, when you have to eat in front of someone else.
I find the whole act of eating very intimate, almost holy. It is time during the day, when I am nurturing my own body, and it is always a privilege to share it with people who are close to you and whom you love.
Jesus also realised the importance of eating and breaking of bread together. There are so many of his wonders that revolve around eating and drinking. He also chose bread and wine as symbols for his body and blood that he spilled on the cross for us.
I believe that we should treat every opportunity to have a meal with someone we love with the utmost respect.
Make time to do that. And propose a piece of toast to an honorary guest.
I am always interested in these useless, but very interesting bits of information.
Another interesting custom around the drinking table is the lifting and touching of glasses. There was also significance in that. The touching of the glasses, while people were looking each other in the eye had the purpose of actually mixing the content of your own glass with that of the person you were toasting with. In that way you it was ensured that nobody at the table were at the risk of being poisoned.
All very interesting, but through reading it all I realised that the act of dining and having a drink together is very significant. It is an opportunity to wish someone well, an opportunity to interact, find out how someone is really doing. I think it is very difficult to hide being unwell, when you have to eat in front of someone else.
I find the whole act of eating very intimate, almost holy. It is time during the day, when I am nurturing my own body, and it is always a privilege to share it with people who are close to you and whom you love.
Jesus also realised the importance of eating and breaking of bread together. There are so many of his wonders that revolve around eating and drinking. He also chose bread and wine as symbols for his body and blood that he spilled on the cross for us.
I believe that we should treat every opportunity to have a meal with someone we love with the utmost respect.
Make time to do that. And propose a piece of toast to an honorary guest.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Reminders
Definition: To put in mind. Something that reminds someone of something
Nobody can deny that our lives are busy. We run along our busy schedules, hoping that we will be able to keep the wheels of the cart from falling off sometimes.
In the process of running such a busy schedule, we have to constantly remind ourselves of what needs to happen next. The current moment with all its obligations and challenges takes up all our energy and attention.
I live by my diary – I am still very fond of paper. Maybe I feel that it is more tangible, more patient and like me prefers a slower pace. I know that everything that goes into my diary will get done, because there is a new page for every day. That is how I remember meetings, birthdays, to do lists.
A diary for me is an investment; I carry this companion with me for a whole year. My diary becomes a constant reminder that I have to be somewhere, do something, and be of value and worth to those around me. You want to mess with me, and then mess with my diary.
Every day I need these small reminders, a scribble on a piece of paper, the alarm clock ringing through my ears. All of them are gentle (others not so gentle) tangible elements to put something into my mind.
We need tangible things to remind us of what is important in our lives. Not only what we need to do, or where we need to be, but also of what we believe in, where we have been and travelled. From this alone you can gather that I am very sentimental. I realised this last week when I bought the ugliest bracelet form Exclusive Books, in support of the war against rhino poaching. I am wearing my bracelet every day. Every time I look down at this hideous red and black bangle, I remember who I am. I remember that I am passionate about conservation, that I would like to see that animals are protected from human evil, that I would like to teach my children respect and love for nature, that I would like to be remembered as someone who lived with a very light carbon footprint. That defines me.
Take a moment to evaluate all the reminders in your life. What do they tell about you? Does every reminder form part of your passion in life, or are you only reminded every day about negative things, that maybe should have been forgotten long ago.
Take time, put positive reminders into your life, putting into your mind what is truly important for you and those around you.
Nobody can deny that our lives are busy. We run along our busy schedules, hoping that we will be able to keep the wheels of the cart from falling off sometimes.
In the process of running such a busy schedule, we have to constantly remind ourselves of what needs to happen next. The current moment with all its obligations and challenges takes up all our energy and attention.
I live by my diary – I am still very fond of paper. Maybe I feel that it is more tangible, more patient and like me prefers a slower pace. I know that everything that goes into my diary will get done, because there is a new page for every day. That is how I remember meetings, birthdays, to do lists.
A diary for me is an investment; I carry this companion with me for a whole year. My diary becomes a constant reminder that I have to be somewhere, do something, and be of value and worth to those around me. You want to mess with me, and then mess with my diary.
Every day I need these small reminders, a scribble on a piece of paper, the alarm clock ringing through my ears. All of them are gentle (others not so gentle) tangible elements to put something into my mind.
We need tangible things to remind us of what is important in our lives. Not only what we need to do, or where we need to be, but also of what we believe in, where we have been and travelled. From this alone you can gather that I am very sentimental. I realised this last week when I bought the ugliest bracelet form Exclusive Books, in support of the war against rhino poaching. I am wearing my bracelet every day. Every time I look down at this hideous red and black bangle, I remember who I am. I remember that I am passionate about conservation, that I would like to see that animals are protected from human evil, that I would like to teach my children respect and love for nature, that I would like to be remembered as someone who lived with a very light carbon footprint. That defines me.
Take a moment to evaluate all the reminders in your life. What do they tell about you? Does every reminder form part of your passion in life, or are you only reminded every day about negative things, that maybe should have been forgotten long ago.
Take time, put positive reminders into your life, putting into your mind what is truly important for you and those around you.
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