Good morning friends
Yesterday I mentioned about a short story by Somerset Maugham. Before I talk about this story, however, I would like to mention that it was my father who introduced me to Somerset Maugham during my teenage. My father was a member of the British Council Library and would often bring home the short story volumes of Somerset Maugham. As I was a voracious reader, I started reading these stories and was soon hooked on to him. Now that I think back upon those times, I think my love of English literature and my understanding of the English language can be traced back to these books. Actually, I have studied in a vernacular school, studying all the subjects in Marathi till seventh standard; and only from the eighth standard onwards, we studied the major subjects like science and maths in English. But I have always loved reading books and I don’t remember a time when I was not a member of some library or the other. I suppose reading the books of the likes of Somerset Maugham and P. G. Wodehouse in my early impressionable age had a wonderful influence on how I spoke and wrote in English.
Coming back to the story now….. I think this story is a wonderful example of how we can succeed in life in the face of major obstacles, if we change our thinking.
Maugham is telling us about Albert, the verger in a church. ( verger means an official in a church who acts as a caretaker and attendant. ) The newly appointed vicar finds out that Albert can neither read nor write and he is appalled by this piece of information. The vicar feels that an illiterate person is not suited to this job in a prestigious church and gives him an ultimatum: either learn to read and write in the next 3 months or we will have to let you go. Albert however, is quite obstinate about this; he feels that if he could not learn to read and write in his youth, it is not possible for him to do so now.
Worried about his future and engrossed in his thoughts, he loses his way as he is walking back home and finds himself in an unknown street. Suddenly, he gets a strong urge to smoke and looks for a shop selling cigarettes. But he is surprised to find that though this long street has several other shops, it doesn’t have a shop selling cigarettes. This gives rise to a new idea in his mind. He finds out that there’s a shop to let and decides to start a new business selling cigarettes. And soon, he is doing very well. After a year or so, he thinks of starting another shop on a similar street which has no tobacco shops and that too does well. In no time at all, he is managing 10 such shops. One day, when he goes to the bank to deposit money, the bank manager meets him and recommends that he invest the substantial savings more judiciously. During the course of their conversation, the manager realises that Albert is illiterate. He is shocked and says, “Good God! Where would you have been if you could read and write?” And Albert answers,” I would be working as a Verger in the church ! “
I have tried to give you the gist of the story but if you could read the original story as written by Maugham, I am sure that you would enjoy it even more. It is available on the Internet for those who wish to read it.
This story unfolds a very important universal truth: When one door closes, another one opens! It’s just that we need to be receptive about it, we need to change our response as the situation changes.
It also reiterates the fact that an obstacle or a challenge, if met with the right attitude, can actually lead to more success than the previous situation.
As I am writing this, I am reminded of another beautiful story about doors as narrated by Osho. Maybe I will share it tomorrow.
In the meantime, can we be open to changing our responses as per the demands of our circumstances, just like Albert did….
Love,
Anjali Bhatawdekar
