Beyond the Rhetoric

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.

As some of you may already know, I was a psychology major while studying at the University of British Columbia. As such, this week’s edition of the Sunday Snippet hits a little closer to home.

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross was one of the most respected psychiatrists in her field. She was the one who first described the Kubler-Ross model, which is more commonly known as the five stages of grieving. She also authored On Death and Dying, a groundbreaking book on the subject.

Thankfully, today’s quote isn’t quite so morbid. While it does not describe the meaning of life directly, it does give us a moment to consider the human relationships we have with the people around us.

It is very easy to be agreeable and friendly when things are going your way. If you are happy, you are usually glad to share this happiness with the people around you. You are that brilliant stained glass window and while the sun is beaming down, you can give off the picture of perfection. However, how do you present yourself when things are dark? When you are faced with dark and stormy weather?

We have to remember to be more than just fair weather friends. You have to look inside yourself and ask if you have an inner glow or some enduring value that you can share with the world at large. Are you remembering to do good things and give back to the community? Does your light persist even when darkness surrounds you?

It is only under dire and unfortunate circumstances that the true nature and character of people are revealed. It is only when you are tested and pushed to your limits that you can truly discover what you can do; it is then that the true mettle of a man is exposed. Remember that happiness and success must start from the inside. It starts with you.

What kind of stained glass window are you?

Tags: beauty, character and personality, memorable quotes

Filed under Personal Development.