The Path of Least Resistance

Life is tough. There is no denying it. Life can throw you all manner of curved balls. Life is unfair even in the smallest unit of a family, let alone in our big, blue marble we call Earth. Just when you think the journey is about to smoothen out, we get the chance to face another challenge.

Yet it is these challenges which make or break us. Most of the time, it makes us better. After all what doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right? However, there are times when we are broken. And yet, through Christ, all manner of 'brokenness' only serve to make us better people, because it humbles us and keeps us off the lofty pedestals we choose to place ourselves.

Even from a young age, my principle was to take the path of least resistance. I was always told I was intelligent, smart, sensible but ever so lazy. LOL. I was only in the first class for 4 years of primary school. It took a lot of effort to maintain being in that class. In the end, my grades slipped and I ended up in a class where all my best friends were made, most of whom are still my best friends now.

This path seemed more comfortable. I never wanted to be somebody. I just preferred being anyone or a nobody. However, as my best friend has been trying to drum into my brain 'You can never be a nobody because you already are a somebody.' But I digress.

At secondary level, I needed to decide on Science or Art stream. The choice was obvious - the path of least resistance - Arts! Not that I am any good at drawing or painting. But being in the Science stream required too much effort. I convinced all who cared and mattered that I would excel at Language (1119 & Literature) and Accounts/Commerce. I succeeded.

So onto tertiary level. Without financial assistance to pursue a career in Banking & Finance, God paved the was for me to be a teacher - all expenses paid! Path of least resistance - I accepted the challenge. I thoroughly enjoyed my 6 years overseas, having only 12 hours of classes a week while my engineering compatriots did 33 hours a week.

And here I am today, an accomplished teacher with 22 years of experience under my belt. I love doing what I do. Any regrets, you ask. An emphatic NO is the answer.

What exactly is my point? A song I was listening to said Never take the path of least resistance. It got me thinking so I posted it on Facebook and surprisingly my pastor questioned if that was what made me get married and have kids. Was it? Is getting married and having kids really that tough? In our Asian society, perhaps being single as opposed to being married is harder and being a wife with no children is harder than with.

I love being married. I love being a wife. I love being a mom. I wouldn't know where to hide without my children. For all the trials and tribulations of being wife and mom, I am blessed tenfold if not more. I have not lost my identity by getting married and having kids. Contrary to that, I have added more flavour and meaning to my existence and my journey, has always and will always be the path of least resistance, as long as God is with me.