Why is this perfect now?

Published in Living Now Magazine June 2013

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues,
but the parent of all others."

Cicero

The conflict had been going on for many months and the young man was getting tired. As the normal avenues for resolution had evaporated the other side had resorted to underhanded tactics - rumour, innuendo and unfounded allegations of the lowest kind were used to try and smear his character and turn the community against him.

His resolve at the beginning had been to be open hearted and stand in a peaceful space refusing to judge others but in the midst of this, self pity called; "Oh poor me" it spoke "I don't deserve this"

The young man was tempted, his spirit had been wounded by the ongoing taunts. He'd been forced to defend himself to others and question his very being in his quieter moments.

Suddenly, his melancholic state was broken. An old man appeared before him, his hair silver with wisdom, his eyes clear and bright.

"Before you the path diverges," he said, "If you choose to go down the path of self …