I was once fascinated with bonsai trees. According to Google, Samurais were said to grow the plants for meditative purposes, clearing their minds and transcending their consciousness. But what is intriguing is not the reason but the result achieved by these exercises. Imagine a banyan tree growing in a pot?
One lesson we can learn here is that no matter how large you are, if contained in a small container, you will never reach your full potential. Just as what leadership guru Maxwell espoused in his leadership book, the law of the lid will always limit the height you can achieve.
There were many great individuals who never reached their full potential because of their environment. On the contrary, if Olympic double-gold medalist Carlos Yulo allowed himself to be contained in the toxic environment he is facing now, the chance of him coming home with even a bronze medal is a long shot goal. But because he went on his own and focused on his goals, he was able to show to the world that he is an athlete to reckon with.
His victories came only when he left home and trained under the guidance of a great trainor. If Manny Pacquiao stayed in General Santos, he could have never been an undefeated world champion. The same is true with me if I did not leave for Manila. When I returned from my work abroad and found it difficult to secure a new one in Manila, the temptation offered by my late father to live with them was difficult to refuse. But I stayed the course, and after a few months of searching for a job, my former manager Edgar Liu invited me to join Marsman again.
I am sure you have heard of stories of the eagle born in the chicken pen and an elephant born in the zoo. They were only able to show to the world that they are not the weakest animal in the zoo when they finally discovered their true nature and capabilities. They were able to act as champions that have no limitations. Bible characters like Gideon have always doubted their skills. But God opened Gideon’s eyes and heart and he was able to lead his 300 soldiers to victories.
Alexander the Great, dubbed as the world’s greatest conqueror next to Cesar, left his country and crossed oceans to write his name in the annals of history. Even our Lord Jesus left the comfort of heaven and died on the cross to free us from the limitations set by the devil. If not for His sacrifice, Christianity would not be here today.
Helen Keller was blind but led others to help humanity. Melvin Jones was not contented to have America as his area to help through the Lions. He opened it to other philanthropists willing to share their time, talent and treasures worldwide. From a small group, Lions has grown into millions of volunteers. It is considered one of the leading international humanitarian organization.
There are many more examples of heroism but a single book could cover them all. If you are reading this article now, you are about to start a new discovery – you are not who you are but if you are willing to change, God will give you the life that is supposed to be yours. Rise up and claim your kingdom prepared for you by our Lord Jesus.
Being a bonsai doesn’t only make you cute, but you actually come as a package that is small but terrible. Your minute size comes as a surprise but beneath that size you have greater power than superman who can lead a pack of superheroes to free everyone from mediocrity. Live life with a purpose. ||
