Islands II

Note: Islands part one was posted on March 11, 2004

So out of necessity he became an observer. On his visits to neighboring islands he began to note the customs and the communication style that each practiced. He was fascinated by his new project and many months passed as hours were spent in laborious note taking. Each evening when he returned home he would transcribe what he had learned into books one volume for each of his island neighbors.

His findings surprised him.

The fault lay not with the other islanders but with him.

When the need arose and he offered help to the other islands, he was welcomed with open arms and put right to work. Usually a feast would ensue once the repairs were complete and everyone would have a great time.

When his island was damaged and help was offered he had never just said yes and welcomed the volunteers with open arms. Rather than accept aide in the spirit in which it was offered he required his neighbors to follow script of his own creation.

"We have our tools and we are ready to help complete the necessary repairs."

His usual reply would be something like, "You no guys the damage is really not that bad, and I can probably handle this myself."

"Hey its' no problem all of us neighbors have to stick together. The more hands at work the quicker the job will be completed."

"I know you all mean well, but I feel bad taking you away from your own islands and your own chores. I am sure I am not the only one that needs help."

"Come on buddy, you have provided assistance to each and every one of us. We are your friends and all we want is for you to allow us to offer a little help. What is the major obstacle here?"

Reading his notes he began to realize how blind he had truly been. He was not friendless the waters around his island were filled with those who wanted to be his friend.

It was he who had issues. It was he who did not understand the meaning of unconditional friendship. Heartfelt offers of aide were made and he spent hours rationalizing until he drove his friends away.

His help was still accepted. His friendship was still embraced. However even the most loving of people will eventually tire of banging their head against the proverbial wall and he had been that wall to his friends.

Here he was all proud of myself for how well he took care of others. Always on the run, always being the first to arrive and the last to leave. He thought his island was perfect.
However, as it turns out he suffered from faults just like everyone else. His fault was having too much pride. His fault lay in his inability to accept honest offers of assistance in the context in which they were given. There is a fine line between selflessness and selfishness and he had made a giant leap over that line. In driving his fellow islanders away he had proven himself to be pride filled and selfish. To pride filled to allow others past his inner walls and to selfish to allow others the same opportunity for good deeds that they had allowed him.

That night as he lay beneath the summer stars he vowed that tomorrow would be different. He knew now that friendship was a two way street and that he had to allow others the same opportunity to give that they had allowed him.

As the moon rose he drifted off into a dreamless sleep with a childlike smile dancing on his lips.