In case you were expecting more of the same, this one ain’t no mama at all. And if we were going in chronological order, this was actually the first case – and many, many years before the second. And if you are surprised to hear that there probably was a gap of some twenty years between this and the next, my only excuse is that it took me that long to see the need for constant self-examination.
Why so long? You see, at the time this occurred, the objective of self-examination for me was not always objective. In other words, I only examined things if I was trying to protect my position, and was sure it would make me look good. So, whether this case can be called a self-examination is for you to decide… But this account still makes me feel good and I thought I’d slip it in somewhere! 🙂
So, I was young then, with little care and lots of freedom. As is often the case when you are living in a university campus environment.
The topic that led to the argument corresponded perfectly to the state of my body, soul and spirit at that time – frivolous. If I recall right, this my close friend, but it could have been me, started the conversation. She had wondered aloud why the nail polish on both our fingers – very strange colours even at that time – often had a crescent-shaped unpainted patch at the base of our nails.
Please note that we were not high on anything (or perhaps I had better speak for myself) – apart from possibly nicotine from cigarette. Nevertheless, we both found the question worth considering deeply and extensively, which just goes to show the state of our spirit, soul and body at the time. And more amazing, we could find no explanation for it!
How it became such a matter of importance that it was brought up in the company of another equal-minded (or so we thought) not-so-close friend one day I cannot explain. But it was on that day that the enigma of the crescent space at the base of our nails was solved for me.
Anyway, this third party was fast in responding and this was her answer. As the nail grows, pushing upwards, the paint naturally moves with it, leaving the unpainted crescent at the base of the nail! It was a eureka moment for me. I saw the light. Of course! Duh!
But it would seem that this fast, rational and intelligent explanation was reason for my close friend to take umbrage. She did not consider such a simple explanation acceptable. I felt it was pretty silly we couldn’t figure that out between us… and was quite pleased someone else did. I therefore felt obligated to doff my cap to the not-so-close friend, recognizing that it took a sharp brain to figure it out so easily, especially since, contrary to the impression this incident might have given you, my close friend and I were not complete dummies by any standard, she being the smarter one, at least academically.
But it would seem that while I was quite happy to have the enigma solved, and to give honour where it was due, my close friend was somewhat resentful of the rapid and conclusive way our not-so-close friend casually swept away the ‘biscuit bone’ we had loved gnawing.
Furthermore, while I was still trying to process this irrational reaction, I suddenly dawned on me, (or perhaps impressed upon me?), that I was expected to side with her as a sign of loyalty!
Well, guys, I am ordinarily a laid back person, but I do not consider myself a push-over. Of course I begged to differ, and refused adamantly to side with her.
I stood my ground in spite of the fact that she made it feel like the great betrayal! I think that was the first time I discovered that people become irrational for not-so-obvious reasons in this world. In other words, people often had a hidden agenda in the position they take. It was an eye-opener for me. Which is why I still remember it so vividly and just had to share it here with you.
Anyway, it soon became one of those moments I was obliged to take a strong position. Of course that was the explanation! How could anyone be so unreasonable! And I am sure all of you reading this right now agree with me. And just in case you don’t, know for sure that if we were face to face, a heated argument would be taking place between us!
In retrospect, I also have to consider the possibility of pride on the part of my close friend. I am not very sure, but I think part of the problem might have been that she was usually the one to come up with the correct answer. With a tinge of jealousy perhaps, as she might not have considered the friend who solved the riddle to be as smart as she was. Or then again, it could be that there was an existing friction between them which I knew nothing about. Or that she considered the way she answered somewhat arrogant. Or simply that she did not like her.
Hey, I write, okay? So creativity should be expected. And I do think these few suggestions of hidden agendas in an argument would be helpful for you to consider in future before taking a strong stand on issues.
Anyway, close friend or not, I was glad I bowed to reason and defected from the opposition rapidly and gladly on that occasion. And anytime I look back, I feel pretty good about myself. I figured it makes me a very reasonable and balanced person. And just might have contributed a little to my mind-set on the Day I choice to accept Jesus as my Lord and Saviour by rational faith… meaning, I had experienced His Way, Truth and Life in many ways over the years without quite knowing what to make of it… Until is because senseless not to surrender and take a stand. I call this MY GREATEST EURAKA. (See My Conversion Testimony on this site)
Well, today I have had years of practice in self examination and hopefully have benefited, and continue to benefit from it each time.
And what about you? Let me assure you it will be worth your while.
Well, we will take a break while you ponder on that.
NEXT CASE FOR NEXT TIME!
NEXT CASE FOR NEXT TIME!