Know Your Place

At a certain city I lived in the U.K. some years ago, there existed an apple tree on the way to town near a bridge which yielded abundant fruit every summer, they fell to the ground and many got crushed. Contrast to Nigeria where Apples are largely a luxury fruit. Mangoes, on the other hand, were slightly pricier in U.K. Supermarkets but when in season in Nigeria, they are cheap. Why would the same fruits have price variations (yeah, currency is a factor but that's not the point 😀) and perceptions in two countries? Because their places are different! Apples thrive in the U.K. because the conditions are suitable for their trees, likewise Mangoes in Nigeria. Both can grow in either country however, under very special conditions, but I don't think to an exportable quantity. Ok, this Agric 'lesson' has a point to it:

A meaning of 'place' that fits into this article's context is: "a proper or appropriate location or position" Dictionary.com

You are an individual with unique skills and talents, but you have a specific location where you'll thrive; purpose includes place. You can thrive in a different area from expected, or you can thrive in a popular area but not in the norm, thus standing out in your field of expertise.

Jack Ma, co-founder of Alibaba.com has an interesting and inspiring story. He applied to Harvard ten times and was rejected but that didn't stop him. Should we vilify Harvard for rejecting someone who is now a billionaire? Not at all, several billionaires too have emerged from there. In fact, Harvard ranks first in the list of Universities with billionaire alumni in the world; it just wasn't Jack Ma's place.  On the other hand, Harvard was Mark Zuckerberg's place for a certain time; it was the ground where what is now known as Facebook was conceived - making Zuckerberg and other founders billionaires, and several others e.g. Sheryl Sandberg millionaires. We can draw at least three possible inferences from the above examples: 

(a) A certain location might not be your place at all; 

(b) A certain location might be your place for the time being - transitional; 

(c) A certain location could be your place - permanently. 

Several individuals think they have no gifting or talents because they do not have what is popular. First, I believe God created every person with at least a talent. One way to identify such is by finding out what you can do effortlessly, or what you are passionate about. When you do and realise you just have one, don't live in comparison with someone that has several; such a person has a greater responsibility and he or she would one day, account for the diverse talents entrusted with. Besides, you can acquire some skills through training and perseverance, and become as multitalented as you wish.  

Don't belittle yourself; that you know a 'genius' in an area you're not gifted at, doesn't mean you cannot become a 'genius' in the area of your gifting or a skill you acquire. I really like this quote attributed to Albert Einstein:

"Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

Know your place! It'll help your self-esteem and free you from the 'bondage' of comparison.

Got the photo I used above from the Pixabay App (now you know my go-to resource for free, fab photos and oh, you're welcome 😊). Not sure if it's a natural vegetation or a digitally generated image, but it adds to the point that this article is trying to make:

The red, purple and multi-shade pink flowers all 'grew' on the same farmland, but it didn't stop the growth of the distinct yellow one; you might be in a popular business, but you can make a difference in that if you know your place. You might have a popular skill, but you can make a genius of yours differently. You might have a skill that is not commonplace; that gives you an opportunity to make a mark and establish a standard.

Whichever your case may be, being in a popular endeavour and/or going against the grain, or bringing something unique to the table, ensure you know your place, and mark your mark in it!

Stay blessed x

© Lydia Ndagilaya