Holidays and ordinary days come to us together in the same package of life. They are taking turns, replacing each other with constant regularity. Their repeated exchange represents our life circulation.
Holidays in particular are there like special stations to stop and rest from a weary movement. Their main function is to make us look for the extraordinary… Right before an entrance of a holiday, life usually accelerates, as though people need to get things done in a last moment in order to appear more prepared for some important meeting, to get a special mark of approval or simply not to be less than others…
It was one of those days. I was thinking about all that, waiting for a red light to turn into green. But the traffic light didn't change for a long time, maybe it was broken… Cars kept rushing towards their destinations and I had to remain in the same place. I couldn't' freely move to continue my way. I had to wait! "How ridiculous, - I thought, - I have to wait all this time for someone's stupid permission to progress with my life! This keeps me in bondage… I want freedom!" My whole being echoed with the voices of multitudes, crying: "Freedom! We want Freedom!"
At this time an old man approached the intersection and asked me to help him to cross over to the other side. I agreed and offered him my hand. As soon as I took it, the light turned into green and we crossed together. He turned to me and said: "I want to thank you, young man" and handed me a strange looking coin. One side of it was gold and the other silver. Before I opened my mouth to ask, he explained: "This is like holidays and ordinary days. In our ordinary days we work, create and progress and during the holidays we stop our agenda and rest, we remember our Creator and His eternal purpose in our lives. We need them both, just like grace and wisdom." The stranger smiled and suddenly disappeared.
The holiday celebration was over. "Good night my boy, - said my mom, - turning the light off, - have sweet dreams!"
I closed my eyes… and saw myself on a journey, searching for freedom. In my dream I was walking on one of those little forest roads that overlap each other. "When I will find freedom, I will surely recognize it for what it is!" – I thought to myself and saw the first person crossing my path. I hurried to come closer to meet him:
“Hello. I'm a stranger here and I go to find freedom… There are so many roads to choose from, it's hard to figure out the right one…”
“Freedom… - Heh nodded his head, - What a sweet word. This is exactly what my mission is - I fight for freedom. See our society has turned into one big conflict and we have to fight to be free from it.”
“Is there a positive solution?” – I asked, trying to understand what he meant.
“Of cause. This solution is called: elimination. Different methods can be useful like: kidnapping and other provocation; strangulation, beating and other injury. Often it grows into a violent destruction with lots of damage, but the main point in all this fight is: to eliminate the wrong people, so that there be a peaceful, free and harmonious society.”
I shuddered from his words, but didn't want to show it.
“So, your solution is to kill and destroy… Then you all are great sinners and you will answer for it.”
“Hey, you sound like you still wearing diapers… You said you're new here, so that explains it. Take my word for it: to get rid of the bad ones is the quickest and the surest way to a conflict free world! And by the way, we are all sinners… more or less – what difference will it make?”
“I'm not sure of that…”
“Listen stranger… or whatever you call yourself: You want to stay alive – keep out of conflict!” - And he left.
"I'm glad my way is different from his" – I thought and immediately saw another person. This time it was a fellow, sitting in the middle of crossroads, wearing his pajamas. I didn't feel like starting another conversation, but he asked me:
“Did you come to bring me freedom?”
“No, I'm looking for it myself. But as I understand, everyone has to find freedom on his own.”
“O, I see that you never been really sick before… But I'm sick for many years and I've seen a lot of this life already. - His smile reflected all those years of suffering. - Freedom is a magic immunization, once infused into your body, it keeps you healthy forever.”
“Really? Such infusion exists?”
“No, it hasn't been invented yet, but nowadays technology develops so fast… That is why I'm sitting here in the middle of crossroads, so that people would see my condition and have pity on me. I'm sure this compassion will inspire them to invent this miracle solution.”
“Don't you want to recover in a meantime? - I interrupted him. - Look at you: you became so pale and covered with wounds; let me put you a bandage…”
“O no! I'm suffering for the good of all the others. See, our society is all sick; but once everyone will get this miracle injection, people will be healthy both in their body and spirit! This project of waiting costs me a lot -– freedom is surely not for free! I pass my lonely days here very weak and discouraged, my life turned to be so empty and sour. Probably I will die even before the invention of this infusion…”
"God forbid!"
“Please do me a favor, I beg you. When it happens, embalm my dead body and let my mummy remain in this place for the future generations to remember me and continue to hope for the freedom injection!”
“I will try. - My promise sounded very weak and I already regretted it. - I feel very sorry for you”, - I said to him and thought that I shouldn't wait there even a minute longer.
I looked away from him and saw yet another fellow, walking straight towards me. "I will try to be on top with this one; - I thought and jumped straight on:
“Who are you?"
He stopped and scanned me slowly, all plunged in his thoughts, then said:
“I'm a social investigator and I will ask you questions you are to answer.”
“I don't have to answer anybody's questions!” - I protested.
“O yes, you do; simply because you are a part of the society. What if you provide a shelter to one of those dangerous elements?”
“I don't understand what you're talking about!”
“You're not listening to the news, are you? Otherwise, you would know and be concerned. There are some very dangerous people within our society: the so called ‘dreamers’.”
“What's wrong with having a dream?”
“You see they envision some other freedom, different from the one, accepted by the system.”
“What do you mean?”
“Our society is held together by multiple connections within the system. Many different companies and associations make it work together as one unit and move in the same direction. But those dangerous elements, by proclaiming some other freedom, getting too far out from the norm and create controversy in our society. They proclaim their disagreement in underground meetings, where they hide from the legal consequences. Their sabotage does not allow the smooth functioning of our system.”
"…Do you plan to kill all the wrong ones?” - I interrupted him, suddenly remembering my first meeting.
"O no! This is not our job - to kill them. The opposite: we establish freedom and labor for the good of all people. For this very reason, those "wrong ones", like you said, have to be excommunicated from the society. My job as investigator is to examine the suspects, expose their intentions of damaging the system and start a legislative procedure.”
“I better get going…”
“Watch out there for anybody suspicious and exceptional! Everyone, who associates with those "dreamers", is automatically considered a ‘partner’.”
“Thank you, sir. You've been very helpful, but I really need to go.”
Finally, he continued his way and I continued mine… but not too far. My road ahead was blocked! I guess, someone simply decided that his agenda was more important than mine and that I had to give way to him. Insolence indeed!
Somewhere behind the barriers I saw people shouting loud in the same time, each one from his tribune, each one trying to be heard. "If I stay here long enough, I can become deaf", - I thought and made couple steps off the road. Immediately I saw another fellow, running in my direction.
“Which party are you voting for?” – He shot his question at me, without even introducing himself.
“I'm not voting. I'm on a journey of my own. I search for freedom and you are blocking my way.”
"We are sorry about this little inconvenience for you, but this event represents an important issue for our society.”
“I understand: Society is in danger.” - I said, trying to imitate a social investigator.
“I wouldn't put like this, but if you wish… Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm an accountant; I work right in the heat of that election campaign. My job is to count the voices for different competing parties.”
“What is the contest of their competition?” - I inquired.
“Freedom, of cause! This is the most essential human right. The party which will offer more freedom to the people, will win. We need you to express your opinion…”
"Listen to my opinion, - I was shocked of his ignorance, - I peacefully walk on my road and you block it without my permission! What can you possibly know about human rights?! Anyway, I don't want to wait here, I need to continue my journey!"
At that very moment I noticed another little road turning left and that was my way of escape.
"Welcome to the freedom domain!" – I heard, as soon as I stepped on that road. I saw a gentleman walking next to. me; he was finely dressed with biggest smile on his face. I looked around, trying to recognize freedom some place, but could not find it. Firmly deciding to keep my sound mind, I answered: "No, this is not freedom domain, you are lying!"
“Why being so aggressive? – He answered, keeping the smile. We all are on the way to a perfect freedom. But didn't you just experience a pleasant feeling of arrival, of finally possessing your desire?”
I couldn't say "no" and didn't want to say "Yes". He continued:
“I work with peoples' bank accounts and I know exactly what they need.”
“People need money, I know that far.”
“Well… Money is never enough for everyone. What people really need is to feel good about themselves. Our job is to create that feeling for them.”
"Interesting… What is it then?”
“Our magic method is called "credit". You see, people nowadays don't like to wait. They want fast solutions for everything. To supply this need we created a wonder program: "Have now – pay later". If you spend a large amount now, you will surely save at the end. People get what they desire and as a bonus they get a wonderful sensation of freedom – Freedom to spend large amounts and to satisfy their desires!”
“But once you spent all your money, this feeling will elude?”
“Who will agree to lose it? You can take another credit and yet another credit. One purchase rhymes with another, like a beautiful poetry.”
“What if you already got everything?”
“No problem! There are always newer versions of something people already have. Market is full of modern stuff to lust for.”
“But all this is so ephemeral…”
“What would be your option? - He threw the ball back at me, - For people to live their lives in lack and deficiency? We create a happy society – what can be better? Every new purchase provides a sensation of life renewal! We can always charge their accounts later on…”
“I start to understand your magic: You penetrate into peoples' pockets through their bank accounts and take away their means of sustenance!” - I boldly declared.
“Does it give you a good feeling to aggress me? You have to understand: We do not force or oblige anyone; it comes to people naturally.”
“In your smooth manner you make them slip straight into big debts. Your road is too slippery for me to walk on!” - I concluded and made a right turn off that road, feeling good about myself.
…And stepped right in the middle of nowhere. There was no road to follow. Cold wind of emptiness blew through my thoughts…What will I do now? Where to turn?
"Come over here! Want to join me for lunch?" - I heard a happy voice nearby and saw a man, enjoying his picnic on a chunk of a tree.
"That's very nice of you to invite me,” - I said and sat down next to him.
"I always have something to share with others, - he answered, - since I started to live free, my life became a daring adventure!”
“Wow!"
“Don't you see? Look around you: wild nature, no roads in view! Nobody tells you what to do; you are your own master! …Have you ever been on a road?”
“Oh, yes, - I answered with a voice of an expert. - I decided to go into the wild because of my disagreement…”
“Smart decision, - he interrupted me, - I also was walking on roads before - they are all the same, believe me. Once you step on it, you're engaged to follow the lead and everyone is convinced that his way is the true one.”
I could certainly relate to that. He went on:
“Our society is one big masquerade show: Everyone is playing a role. People disguise themselves in some important personalities, pretending to be wise, and posing in front of each other. One of the most terrifying roads is that of religious hypocrisy. Those guys invent so many regulations, which themselves cannot keep and hide behind a separation wall from the rest of the world! Roads are dangerous – they limit and control your free expression! One day I decided to be a part of the big life this world has to offer and not to cut myself from it anymore. I stepped out from bondage into freedom of being my own god. This alternative lifestyle is called – secular!”
“Hold on, I've heard that word before…” - I felt engaged in his story, but couldn't understand - how…
All of a sudden, he anxiously looked around and said:
“I have to hurry to find a place to sleep before dark. It was a pleasure talking to you!” - And he disappeared into wild forest.
“Good for you… but what am I supposed to do? I don't know my way around… Oh God! I want out of here! Help me!”
As soon as I prayed, I discerned a sound of approaching heavy boots. Before I could figure out my response, a fully equipped soldier was standing right in front of me.
“Are you my answer from above?” – I asked him.
His smile reflected strength and confidence. He reported: "I'm from a rescue unit. We serve all our people. We are guarding freedom, which is an assurance of living safely within your borders and certainty that no one will suddenly invade it to destroy you.”
“What if someone will still attack me?” - I doubted out loud.
“You see all this ammunition, - and he turned around, - don't be afraid, you're with me now. But I should take you out of here, for this is a very dangerous place.”
“To follow you would be the safest option for me,” - I agreed.
We went together and I didn't dare to ask him any more questions… Finally, I was on a road again.
"You will figure it out from here", - said the soldier and left before I could thank him.
To my surprise, this road was made for cars. "I'm so tired. What a pleasure would be to sit a car and relax" – I thought and I stared walking on a side of that road.
“Hey buddy, you wanna ride? – Came a friendly voice from a car that stopped right next to me, - Jump right in!”
I gladly accepted the offer.
“You’ve read my thoughts, – I admitted to my new companion, making myself comfortable.
“Not exactly, but I love to act kindly and make new friends whenever I can. I embrace life everywhere I go. A great fellow like you will surely keep me a delightful company!”
I felt flattered. Wanting to return his compliment, I told him:
“This is a real nice car you're driving.”
“You've got it right, - he smiled back, - this is exactly who I am - A nice guy!”
“You are the first person I meet that rides a car here, why is that?” - I asked.
He looked like he was waiting for this question.
"In order to advance faster in our society, you need to know life. - He started, - People nowadays are drowning in their unfulfilled desires, underestimating the power of the positive approach. This is the hidden wisdom: Wanna good life – become a nice guy. Combined with a good sense of humor and a pinch of sensuality, charm and flattery can open every door! A little buttering up and the goodies of life are sliding right into your arms! Life turns its lovely side to you; it feels like as if you got wings and can fly to any height you want. This freedom is my everyday experience!
Who doesn't like the affection and the compliments? Charm will become your second nature. Simple life will become your pleasant hobby. Wrapped in everyone's love and sympathy, you will stand like a groom under a canopy…”
I admired my new friend. I opened my mouth to utter another compliment and suddenly saw a flashing road sign: "Freedom Exit".
“We need to exit here,” - I urged the driver.
"No, - he refused, - I have to hurry, that no one would grab my parking spot. Get your own car and then decide…
"Stop now! - I shouted in desperation, - I'm getting out right here!”
Piercing sound of the brakes… I opened the door and run towards the freedom exit. The sign was there, but in a thick darkness was impossible to see the road. I made my first step into the unknown… and here it was – straight ahead of me, - a beautiful gate, sparkling with many colors. "The Gate into freedom" - I announced to myself and felt my heart jumping out from its place.
Coming closer, I realized that the gate was locked. Then I came really close, but to my surprise, it didn't open automatically. "So, to find it was not enough… How can I enter then?” – I asked myself out loud.
“You would need to acquire wisdom,” - answered a stranger, slowly stepping out from the dark.
“You overheard my question?” – I asked a bit embarrassed.
“I didn't need to hear it; everyone asks the same question at this point. – He stretched out his hand to me, - Pleasure to meet you, I'm an educator.
“You are like one of my school teachers?”
“A little different, - He replied, - At school you can broaden your perspective on different domains of life, as your teacher presents to you study material, but education is a personal choice of everyone. Everyday life is your best educator; there you need to practically implement what you learn, you if choose to acquire wisdom.
Acquiring wisdom is much like plowing your field, in hope to grow something good on it; it's the major resource for growth like mother's milk for a baby.
You can become wise to resolve conflicts, wise to help the discouraged and to heal the sick, wise to take responsibility in life, wise to hold on to yourself in a terrifying situation. It will protect you from any wrong influence and teach you to manage your resources in the long term; it will lead you to live honestly with yourself and before God Almighty.”
“Sounds like wisdom is everything in life!” - I exclaimed.
“Wisdom is men reaching out to God; it is a necessary ingredient for freedom, but alone it would not be enough.”
"What do you mean?”
“A special token is forged for everyone. You will never be able to enter freedom gate without it. Wisdom is only one side of this token. It's covered with silver.
“That never rusts?”
"Good question…Some people never acquire wisdom, then that silver side eventually rusts. The other side, which is covered with gold, is the grace of God Almighty. It's a miraculous element of life, which is beyond any human capacity. Grace is God reaching out to men. Grace and wisdom are two sides of the same token. Only together they open the door into freedom.”
"Wait a second! I have one of those at home! I got that token yesterday, but forgot where I put it… It has to be somewhere… Can I come back to this place?”
“Yes, there is still a chance to start over.” - was his answer.
As I turned to go back home, I woke up… and heard: "Good morning, sweet heart. Come, breakfast is ready!"
I started my day with a question: "Mama, do you know what it means to be free?"
“Of cause I do, - she said with a pure glowing smile. - To be free means to love. …By the way, is this yours? It slipped right out of your pocket last night.” -And she handed to me the most precious coin.