| Trees have the
ability to sway in the wind, to bend with the power of a storm. if they
were unable to bend, their chances of survival in the midst of gales and storms
would be far less. It is the same with us.
We need to bend in order for ourselves and others to survive peacefully.
Bending in this sense would have nothing to do
with compromising about basic principles. Instead, it would be open to
compromising about basic principles. Instead, it would be open to compromise in
those areas where inviolable inviolable values would not be violated and where
no harm would be done to others.
Bending would include the willingness to look at
other points of view, to avoid the storms of stubbornness that keep people from
accommodating themselves to others.
Bending in this sense is akin to love. It
looks to the good of others rather than to one's own.
An appropriate willingness to bend creates part
of the charm of a loving family and community life, and it is one of the
ingredients in the cement that holds friendships together. |
