My dear Grandson!
I hear that there are times when you have some trouble at shcool. Teachers say that you are defiant, or that you do not do things quickly enough, and such stuff.
Well, I had a very hard time in school in Germany. There, when one did not obey immediately, one was severely punished by being strapped with a cane in front of the class. You could be hit across your buttocks, or even hit on the head. I guess I was sometimes a rebel because I got it more than once. Later, I learned that it is better to pick one's fight. In other words, there are many occasions when it does not pay to be defiant. Especially when it is noticed. I learned to save my strength for the important occasions which will always come sooner or later in life.
Small things are not worth fighting about, because it becomes tiring and serves nothing. What good can come of a file being started on you in the school. Later, a lot of little defiances in a school record are made out to be a pattern. Rightly or wrongly, you could get thought of as an unwilling and unteachable student. Of course that is prejudice, but it exists in the world outside our family. And Baha'u'llah encourages us to give respect to our teachers and to be obedient.
This does not means you should just turn over and do everything people want. You are a very smart and clever fellow, and I am sure you understand what I am saying. You can also practice to make your life run much smoother by doing things at home when asked, by your parents.
I have lived a long time and through good times and bad. I have seen a lot and I can tell you, a person who is polite and willing has a much better chance in this world than any other. Even if I go to a cafeteria type restaurant I usually end up with a better and larger portion than others in the same line up. What is the secret? I will tell you. I try to project a feeling of goodwill towards the people I deal with, and it makes them respond favourably.
Please write back any time if you have problems with people and want me to think about that. I love you, my Grandson, and will say prayers so that you can know, when the right time is for being defiant. One such time would be if other kids want you to take drugs or alcohol or other trouble. Your inner strength that you are trying to develop now can be your greatest asset. But learn how to use it. Not to abuse it, because then it can backfire and hurt you.
Much Love to you,
With Greetings from your Grandfather,
