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Message for Sept, ‘06

WHY ME ?

There is a touching story about the late Arthur Ashe, one-time Wilmbledon Champion, which I came across the other day – when he was diagnosed with AIDS from an infected blood transfusion prior to surgery – he had numerous letters of sympathy. One asked ‘Why him’ – a man of many wonderful qualities, besides his prowess at Tennis. His reply was – “When I held up that Winner’s Cup at Wimbledon, I never asked myself that question – why me – so there’s no reason I should do so now” – or words to that effect.

There is a whole philosophy that lies behind those words which we would all do well to remember, and indeed to constantly remind ourselves. When good and favourable things happen to us, we never stop to think as to why we have been chosen for Divine grace. Moreover, we are given to thinking on such occasions, that it is purely our competence and effort that has gained us these just deserts. Never any Divine Provenance or even the help we have received from others – be they Parents, Teachers, or Peers, or whomsoever. No thanks are due to any one, when we preen ourselves, in pride of having received the favourable ‘benediction’.

When, however, Disaster, Disease or Failure of any kind strikes, it is always bad luck, Divine in-attention to our personal needs, despite much prayer and supplication for the desired ends, which is the reason for our reduced status or condition.

Conversely, if we turn our thoughts to someone else – so as to say why Him? If it is for reasons of the other’s success, it turns to envy, rather than appreciation for that person arriving at better prospects.

If on the other hand, in another’s distress, we ask the question ‘Why him” and proceed to render assistance, we energise our spirit of Charity.

Charity is a state of mind – a condition, a contribution of love, not specie – which Arthur Ashe exemplified in his own life and was reflected in his response to the question “why him” in his dying days.

I leave you all with another accompanying thought. When one is bestowed a benediction, reflected in success in life and career, the answer to why me? could well be that one has been chosen to carry out other commands of the Almighty through acts of Charity, of social consciousness, to justify one’s choice as a medium – for good works. So in success, go forth and multiply good deeds to give thanks for one’s blessings – and in supposed failure, seek the experience that comes with it, which is always valuable.