The Gift of Ermelo 21 May 2013

The Gift of Ermelo     21 May 2013  The Tribune  (unedited)

In nine years of living in Ermelo, I have learnt many things about myself – one big lesson has been about flexibility. Being from German stock – this did not come naturally!  Perhaps boarding school and extensive world travels have also contributed in a positive way.  Married to an ‘outlander’ (“uitlander”) was certainly reason for many a laugh out loud opportunity here!  My dearest people loving husband, who is willing to engage anyone, who has the good fortune  of crossing his path, to discuss the politics of the day.

We recently reminisced about our arrival in 2004, as complete outsiders (not only outlanders) and how Ermelo became our home over time. As the saying goes:  it is not what you know but who you know…..  Life really does work primarily on RELATIONSHIP. Everything you try to achieve begins and succeeds with relationship.  The one ingredient we sorely lacked then.

In our inexperience, we had not taken precautions with making firebreaks on our 9ha property.  That first winter turned into an absolute nightmare. In gale force winds we experienced the horror of a run-away veld fire. Desperate phone calls for help went unanswered.  The fire brigade was busy elsewhere and perhaps most of the farmers too.  Flames literally leaping up four metres or so into the air, jumping  from one tree top to the other and then across the national road.  The noise was unbelievable!  A roar of fire! It was terrifying!  

I will never forget the disbelief that no-one came to help for hours and hours as the flames engulfed the entire field, causing zero visibility on the national road.  The panic of the possible carnage as people barely slowed down for the 100m or so of thick smoke.  Thank God, no one was hurt. 

The ability to accept others as they are and know that it might not be aimed at you personally was a big learning curve for us. One thing I now know for sure today:  It is not always about you(me).  Each person is just getting by – managing their lives to the best of their ability.  Each person comes with their own baggage/ life experiences and behaves accordingly.  It is probably not aimed at you, even if it seems that way.

With kindness is our hearts and the light of God shining in our eyes – treat each person in the way you would like to be treated.

 “People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
― Mother Teresa

Karin Engman        Life Coach and Motivational speaker               072 1896951

thehummingbird@vodamail.co.za                 www.karin-engman.blogspot.com