“Imagine what you could be, if only . . . “
When I was in junior high, we were assigned to read the short story THE VERGER by W. Somerset Maugham. You can read the full version here: http://www.sinden.org/verger.html
The shorter version:
Albert Edward Foreman was the verger (lay person) of St. Peter’s in Neville Square and had been a faithful servant for sixteen years. So imagine his surprise when he was let go by the new vicar, who didn’t like the fact that Albert couldn’t read nor write.
He went walking to clear his head, craved a cigarette, but couldn’t find a shop that sold any. So he opened his own. It did so well, he opened another. And then another. And then ten more. Until one day the banker talked to him about switching from a bank deposit to a more lucrative form of investment. When he revealed he couldn’t read, the banker exclaimed – “. . . what would you be now if you had been able to?”
To which Albert Edward Foreman replied, “I’d be verger of St. Peter’s, Neville Square.”
I’ve been thinking about this story a lot lately. If things went smoothly all the time, if we were never forced to seek a change for ourselves and our lives, think of all the opportunities we would have missed. So many disappointments in my life have ultimately led me to a place of greater happiness.
Of course, Albert didn’t wait around for his next opportunity to find him. In fact, he went out, cleared his head, found a need, and filled it. He made things happen for himself. He found a way to survive, and ultimately, to overcome.
Sometimes, when I tell parts of my life story, people say, “Oh, my goodness. I’m so sorry that happened to you.”
I appreciate the kind words, but I look at where I am now, how crazy the past 4 months have been, and how they might not have happened if some of the bumps in my path had not been there. And I’m eager to say, “No – it’s okay. It’s great even. Because look where I am now. Look at the good I have now. I wouldn’t have had it if these things hadn’t happened. I wouldn’t even know how good it all could be if the yuck hadn’t been there.”
I could have been the Verger. I’m so glad I’m not.
“Ohhhh, the places you’ll go…”
How exciting for you! Past experiences are just that, in the past! Lots of luck & love to you & yours!! 🙂
Reading that, the story resonates with me a bit too. If things had gone how I wanted almost 3 years ago, I wouldn’t be where I am today, with these awesome friends and this awesome life. Wouldn’t have even met you.