Everybody has a place: THE OLD MAN’S DILEMMA

Christopher Osunbote

“Everybody has a place.”
“Err… everybody has a place!”
“Hmm……….. everyone has… uh… place!”

How am I supposed to tell my little boy this in a language he will understand.
The little kid is no philosopher, but it shouldn’t be hard tell him that: “We are all different beings here on this planet and we affect this planet –both other humans and the natural environment –by the things we do. From simple things like the way we use water in the house, to how we raise our children or govern an establishment or country. The things we do, whether we want them to affect the world or not, often inevitably end up affecting the world in very little (nonetheless significant) or more popular ways.” 
The poor lad is not a psychologist, but can’t I easily remind him of the fact that: “The way we two act are different even though we are family. We approach issues differently, and because my ways are not always right nor my views always complete.” His inputs into issues have often helped even when I didn’t admit that to him. I think I have made him think he is not half as smart as I am. I haven’t made him realize the beauty of this fact –that we two are different and it’s not an issue of different LEVELS of intelligence, but more of different DIRECTIONS. 
So, I guess I can’t easily make him see this. I wonder if his fiancé has been doing right by him in making him realize how important he is to her. That she couldn’t have two men exactly like him; and that he suits her just fine. They have been together for a while now, and I am hoping she has seen enough of other guys to know that –in love, my son has a sure place. 
Ha! Land at last! He is a Christian. That should do it. I will simply tell him that: “God has made a particular purpose for his being on earth. This purpose ends in something meaningful. This is not just about the fact that we are different, but we use this to a good end. Well, at least a not-harmful end. 

The Creator loves all his creations and doesn’t plan chaos or a misfit. He has been smart and kind enough to assign something very sensible to ALL of them!” “We can’t all take the spotlight. But we can all contribute to making the whole performance an experience for all. And if it makes you feel any better, many of the actors who act under the spotlight never get to really watch themselves in that moment and enjoy the act/life from the perspective of the audience. None fills and feels all!” 
I hope my son will not ask me why I am telling him all this at this time and what even brought it to my mind in the first place.
Ah! That word again. PLACE.

Christopher Osunbote is a friend and big brother.
He is one of my mentors in the blogosphere and he writes on all things spiritual.
Check out his blog: www.ifeelshadows.com