There are some things that matter, and there are other things that don’t. Some are more obvious than others.
For example take a pastime like football. Some have claimed that it is just a bunch of men running after an inflated pig’s bladder to kick it in between three white sticks along a white line. Others have suggested that it’s not a matter of life and death … it’s more important than that.
For those who enjoy it and suggest it doesn’t really matter, then it’s interesting to gauge people’s reactions to matches in which the team they favour win or lose. I can testify from experience that the wrong result can turn someone’s mood from happiness to misery in an instant. Arguments are raised, blood is shed, egos are bruised all because your team failed to win a football match. So it doesn’t matter … but it matters … but it shouldn’t matter. We shouldn’t really take those things too seriously.
Now I’ve heard that for years, but it only really began to sink in following the birth of the firstborn child to me. When considering her vulnerability and inherent immediate dependence on her forbear it did arouse strong protective instincts to her. The results of a football match were definitely not as important as her wellbeing and if my mood affected her wellbeing then something was wrong with the things that mattered. In the years that followed, ‘hatred’ of teams became greatly reduced and my investment in team affairs began to wane to the extent of being a keen supporter but easily relaxed if someone played better and won more trophies. It’s life. You win, you lose. That’s it.
It’s sad to see, though, others take some things far too seriously. Their entire demeanour determined by the events and actions of others in matters that do not really matter at all. Friendships come to a bitter end, letters full of vile and bilious issues are sent and phone calls, tweets, blogs and campaigns are launched, all because we take something that doesn’t matter too seriously.
I am still learning to take it easy. It’s not worth the hassle to take something so seriously. My Dad showed a great way of dealing with those things by shrugging his shoulders and saying such is life and then you die. That last bit is a bit sobering really. Imagine wasting your time and then realising that after all that kerfuffle, you’re going to die. What a waste. What a tragedy. Might as well get over it and enjoy your life. Might as well dwell on the things that matter and make a big deal of those and get all excitable about those things. Might as well do all that, rather than get all hot and bothered over something which in the large scale of things is largely pointless and redundant.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
dmcd
Life With CD 