Knowledge is the Key
Life is a journey, filled with opportunities and fraught with dangers. During our formative Rainbow years, we will make many choices and decisions which will shape our adult lives. We know that the opportunities are real because God has promised, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” But he also warned of the dangers, saying, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
During the symbolic life journey of our initiation, we pass by the stations of the line officers where we are warned of the challenges ahead, and encouraged along the way. At the color stations, we receive lessons designed to help us complete the journey successfully. But for most of us, the real challenge comes in translating these lessons into our daily lives.
We would do well to emulate the elephant, who according to tradition, never forgets. We must remember not only the lessons of Rainbow, but also the many important lessons learned from our parents, in school, at our church, through association with adult mentors and role models, and all of our other life experiences. Active participation in life is essential, lest the knowledge to be gained each day pass us by. Indeed, knowledge is the key to success and happiness. It is important to take advantage of every opportunity to learn; expanding our knowledge of something every day through study, human interaction, or play.
Above all, we must know ourselves: our hopes, our dreams, and our goals; our skills, our talents, and our weaknesses. It is equally important to know and understand the world: learning to discern between fact and fiction, good and evil, allies and enemies. Clearly, the challenges are great; how, then, shall we overcome them?
We must surround ourselves with people we can trust, choosing our friends and associates wisely, being sure to include people whose character we admire. We can adopt the elements of their character which we admire most, and strive to mirror them on a daily basis. These friends and mentors will provide essential support when the world challenges our convictions and values. Turn to them often for comfort, counsel, and encouragement.
We must set realistic and worthwhile objectives, which will advance us toward our life aspirations. Research the requirements, formulate a plan, and follow it to success. Remember that nothing worthwhile is achieved without sincere effort and sacrifice, yet many stand ready to help those dedicated to noble purposes.
Along the way there will be setbacks, but our faith must remain strong, secure in the knowledge of God’s promise. We must not be overcome with fear or disillusionment, but push relentlessly forward toward our goal. And at every step of the way, we can remain energized and cheerful if we just remember to “Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative, don’t mess with Mr. In Between!”