African Proverb: A Smooth Sea…

A smooth sea does not make a skillful sailor.

Background: The proverb is originally from Namibia.

Significance: Life is like the sea: sometimes we get a gentle sea. But a peaceful sea never made a great sailor. Parents who always shield their child from challenging situations will, in the end, have an idiot of a child. Sometimes the way to show love is not by saving people from troubles all the time but by allowing them to go through it to learn from it. Every great person is a product of challenging circumstances. The purest gold had to go through the hottest fire. Of course, it`s not to say that everyone who goes through tough times comes out strong or skilled. We know some don`t. That is to say that it`s not what happens to you but what you do with what happens to you that makes the difference. And so as someone has said, “when life puts you in tough situations, don’t say “why me?” say “try me.” Be adaptable!