The World of Grandpa Don

Real Power

I was in the garden, as is my habit on pleasant mornings, and this morning was particularly pleasant. The finches were at the feeder and birds were singing everywhere. A light breeze was making music while toying with the wind chimes and all was right with the world.

Suddenly there was the roar of a powerful engine as a car pulled away from the stop at a nearby intersection. It didn't last long but it shattered the peacefulness for a moment. Things like that do not get me angry anymore. I now accept them as a part of life that is fleeting. It did however disturb my thoughts and send them on another course.

I felt sorry for the driver of the vehicle. The roar of the engine indicated power. He needed that. The motor's power transferred to him. Since he caused it, he had power; loud, angry sounding power. He shattered the peaceful quiet of the day with it. But, it was a false power, fleetingly gone in a few moments with no substance. What survived was the song of the birds and the delicate tones of the wind chime.

An ad in a prestigious magazine starts out with, "You are a microscopic speck in the universe. You might as well be a microscopic spec with more power."  They are trying to sell an SUV. This is typical of automobile adds in that they appeal to our desire to dominate. Buy this product and you will be better than everyone else. We are bombarded with advertising that appeals to our selfishness. It is no wonder that there is road rage! 'Look, it's me coming. Get out of my way! This road was built for me, why are all these other people using it?'

In contrast, I thought of the sound of my car. If you listen carefully, you can hear it and as it accelerates from a stop, you still need to strain to hear it. It quietly and steadily provides the transportation that I need without bravo or calling attention to itself. That is real power, ... being there, doing it's job without disturbing anyone. It also makes me thankful that I can have a car that is so reliable and comfortable.

People are like a loud engine sometimes. there are those who crave power and they think they must disturb someone else to prove they have it. They must push others around and be contrary in order to display their power. They think that they get respect by being 'in charge'. All bravado and no respect for others is their style. They may have fleeting success but like a sky rocket, they soon explode and fall to the earth as ash. 

On the other hand, being kind to others and trying to understand their viewpoint draws them to you. You gain true respect. Even at times when sure the other is wrong, it may be prudent to back off for the sake of peace by asking yourself, "How important is it to argue over this?", or if you are dealing with one of the sky rockets, realize that by arguing, you are feeding his already inflated ego. No, it is far better to quietly lead by example, not coercion. Be a gentleman or a lady in your relationships. Politeness is not weakness. It takes a lot of strength to be nice to someone who is rude or abrasive. Show you strength by killing them with kindness. You will be a better person and will bring others up with you.

Be kinder than you need to be. ... and thanks to the driver that turned my thoughts to this subject. 

Grandpa Don
07/16/2002