How is the word “If” most often used in your life? For some it might be “If I only had…” or “If only I could be like…” or “I could be happier if….”
When used in this manner “if” becomes a crutch, a qualifier, or an excuse. The word “if” is also often used to threaten others. “If you don’t do….” however, “if” can also be used in such a fashion that the word exudes power and courage. Like so many things in life, it’s all about how you use it.
Let me illustrate my point by sharing this story with you:
Long ago the people of Greece were not united as they are today. Instead there were several cities and states, each with its own ruler. King Phillip of Macedon, a land in the northern part of Greece, wanted to unite all of Greece under his rule. So he raised a great army and waged war on all of the other Greek states, until nearly all were forced to recognize him as their king. Sparta, however, resisted.
The Spartans lived in the southern part of Greece in a region named Laconia, and so they were sometimes called Lacons. Spartans were noted for their simple habits and their bravery and courage. They were also known as a people who used few words and chose them carefully; even today a short answer is often described as being “laconic.”
King Phillip knew that he would have to subdue the Spartans in order to control all of Greece. So he brought his great army to the borders of Laconia and sent a message to the Spartans.
“If you do not submit at once,” he threatened them, “I will invade your country. And if I invade, I will pillage and burn everything you hold dear. If I march into Laconia, I will level your great city to the ground.”
In a few days, King Phillip received an answer from the king of Sparta. When Phillip opened the letter, he found only one word written there.
The word was “If.”
How is the word “If” most often used in your life?
If you see it differently, function that way. Follow your own muse, always. –Morgan Freeman
Have a AWE-full weekend!
William “Bill” Bacque