CHRISTIANITY is one of the world’s major religions stemming from the life, teachings and death of Jesus of Nazareth (Christ, or the Anointed One of God) in the first century CE.
It has become the largest of the world's religions and, geographically, the most widely diffused of all faiths. Jesus of Nazareth is known to have lived for 33 years, his ministry is known to have lasted for only three years.
Samuel L Jackson only became an A-list movie star well into his 40s after starting his acting career in the 1970s and 1980s with small roles. Some of his films have collectively grossed over US$27 billion worldwide, making him the highest-grossing actor of all time. Jackson initially majored in marine biology before switching to architecture. He later chose to settle on drama. Today the 75-year-old is well-known and has starred in over 150 movies. These include Jurassic Park, Pulp Fiction, The Negotiator and various movies in the Marvel Franchise.
“Timing is everything. If it’s meant to happen it will, at the right time for the right reasons.” It is easy to be discouraged and disheartened when we compare our progress to that of our peers. In these moments, we should remember our purpose and reason for being. Jesus Christ managed to fulfil his purpose in only three years and has influenced many lives. Today over 30% of the world’s population are Christians.
Samuel L Jackson famously said: “Take a stand for what’s right. Raise a ruckus and make a change. You may not always be popular but you will be part of something larger, bigger and greater than yourself. Besides, making history is pretty cool.”
Today his career spans over 52 years and he has won various awards.
The point is we each have a purpose unique to us and it is our responsibility to fulfil this purpose regardless of how long it will take. Timing plays a crucial role in the execution of purpose. Oftentimes the realisation of our dreams hinges on timing. For instance, an aspiring entrepreneur may have a ground-breaking idea, but the success of that idea can depend heavily on external circumstances, such as market demand or technological readiness. If one launches a start-up too early or too late, it may fail. Thus, understanding the market landscape, detecting trends and recognising the opportune moments can make all the difference.
We should try our best to be ready so we can seize opportunities as they present themselves. The late French chemist Louis Pasteur said: “Chance favours the prepared mind.” We should strive to prepare ourselves as we seek success instead of being idle. Below are some of the ways one can prepare themselves:
Read widely
We should adopt the habit of reading. When we read, we accumulate knowledge and we keep our minds sharp.
Find a mentor
Find a successful person in the field you are interested in and learn from them. More often than not, well-accomplished people are eager to share their knowledge.
Build resilience
Resilience is the ability to deal with challenges and setbacks and to take action to meet the demands of life. Strive to be a resilient individual. One way to do this is by taking care of your physical health.
Make failure your friend
Do not be afraid of failing. When we embrace failure, we learn from it. Also, learn from the mistakes of others. There is no point in going down a road if you’ve been warned that it leads to a dead end.
Practise gratitude
Practising gratitude can boost motivation and help you to focus on strategies that align with your goals.
As we navigate our paths, it is essential to remember that everyone’s journey is unique, influenced by individual circumstances and the moments we choose to seize. By remaining open to opportunities and preparing ourselves through learning, mentorship, resilience, embracing failures as lessons and practising gratitude, we can unlock our full potential. Ultimately, as we align our actions with our purpose and recognise the importance of timing, we can contribute meaningfully to our goals, communities and the world at large.
In conclusion, the intertwined themes of purpose and timing are fundamental to our journeys and achievements. Both the historical figures of Jesus Christ and Samuel L Jackson exemplify how an unwavering commitment to one’s purpose, combined with a keen awareness of the right timing, can lead to remarkable legacies that resonate across generations.
- Rutendo Kureya is a medical student at Saint Petersburg State Paediatric Medical University, Russia. She is passionate about issues concerning the state and welfare of fellow Zimbabweans. She can be reached at kureyaru@gmail.com. Mobile: +7 996 274 98 66 Facebook: Rutendo Kureya. She writes here in her personal capacity.