Rejection Letters from Law Schools

Nobody likes rejection. It evokes a thought that you are not capable to do the thing for which you were rejected. I just got three rejection letters, in a week, from three law schools I adore: Georgetown, Harvard and Yale. I must confess that I have not had the most pleasant of sensations. It has been my lifelong goal to become a lawyer and I was following through on my dreams. But I shall not quit, just because someone said no.

In fact, the word 'no' is an empowering word. It frees us to try other things that might, in the end, be more fulfilling and profitable to us than what we initially sought. I am using my personal experience to challenge anyone out there who has been rejected, denied or overlooked. This is not the end of life. This is not a stamp of disapproval on what you can offer the world. Remember, 'no' is another person's opinion of what you possess. Opinions, like fruits from the same trees, can taste nice or taste bad. Opinions, like raindrops, last but for a moment. In the sunshine of life's full potential, 'no' will play a least important role.

In the kaleidoscope of life, 'no' plays an essential role. It forces us to reconsider. It jolts us to reassess whether we are really interested in what we seek. It presents a challenge to our character: do we walk away, tail between legs, or find a way, no matter what? This is not about right answers; it is about right actions. The world will not be handed over to us on a silver platter. We must make it ours by refusing to acquiesce to temporary setbacks. We must rise when we fall. We cannot fall into the slumber of self-pity. That will no suffice for a life going places.

Today, I want you to channel your disappointments into another step towards your destiny. The world is too big to let one opinion rule your mind. It is so full of opportunities that a couple of declines will not really matter in the end. When one door shuts in your face, you are faced with two things. You either keep knocking or you knock other doors. The most essential lesson about the word 'no' is the importance of perseverance. 

No Disturbance

Silence is important to our physical and spiritual development. It is the best atmosphere in which we become most receptive to intuition and intelligence. In the natural world, growth occurs in silent obscurity, where the individual is bare, without the faces and facades that he/she puts up as he/she deals with the world. Roots must grow in silence so they can entrench themselves in the earth undisturbed. No matter how noisy your life is, you must develop a time (or place) of silence. It is a very important practice that gradually becomes an aegis against the many distractions in the world.

The Lord Jesus Christ, as the Bible records, spent the first four hours of his day in prayerful silence. This establishes the belief that it is through silence that we best prepare for the world. Noise has its place - in the barrels of emptiness. Noise is found among spectators, not the players in the fields of destiny. Those who intend to change their world invest their time in silence; a period of time when matters of life (past, present and future) are placed under the microscope of truth.

We take better stock of our lives in silence. We arrive at clarity through silence. We understand ourselves better in the silence of deep contemplation. We must enhance the gift of time with the essence of silence.

The Importance of Confidence

Confidence is a gift we give to ourselves. We cannot wait for someone else to give it to us. We might never receive it. Confidence is a healthy estimation of one's self, in that we find value in what we can offer the world. Confidence is the idea that you, like everybody else, deserve a shot at the opportunities that life offers.

Often, confidence is misconstrued as hubris. However, there is a clear difference. Whereas confidence is based on a healthy perception of one's self, hubris comes from an unhealthy disposition towards one's self and others. A confident man is not afraid to be submissive to what is right. A confident man is obedient to the truth. A confident man is humble in his way through life. You do not have to put others down, in order to stand up. It is a less confident, insecure person who does that. 

A Forgiving Heart

Much has been written and said about the essence of having a forgiving heart. It is important to note that such a heart does not belong to only saints, monks and nuns. We all can develop forgiving hearts. There are seven features of a forgiving heart.

1. It keeps no record of wrongs
2. It decides ahead of time to forgive 
3. It is cognizant of its own wrongs
4. It is selfless
5. It understands humanity
6. It is obedient to the Word of God and
7. It focuses on God's love

You do not have to go to church, mosque or shrine to practice how to have a forgiving heart. It is a habit that comes with time. It is a conscious decision to treat others as we want to be treated. Those with hearts that easily forgive go a long way in life.

Step Into Your Destiny

There is something no one else can do for us. Something no one can force us to do. It is our decision to work on our purpose. There are many who have pushed their callings aside, validating their inaction with excuses after excuses. For some, decades have become like moss on their dreams. Time has filled their hearts with the twin sentiments of guilt and grief. But the beautiful thing about life is the power in a new day. It is never too late to step into your destiny. It is never too late to do the right thing. You can do it now.

Welcome Message

Hello,

I know you are on this blog because you want something out of life. You want to reach a place in life where you can look back and pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Consider this blog, For The Road, as a daily resource of inspiration and insight. It is my contribution to the good job you are doing for yourself; it is my widow's mite to the great story of your life.

The blog will draw wisdom and knowledge from the Bible and from wise men/women around the world. I promise to make this a faith and fun-filled blog. Let us encourage each other as we travel life's roads. Let us determine to reach our destinations in life. There is nothing impossible when God is factored into the equation.

Have a blessed and meaningful day.

Happy Reading,

Prince K. Mensah