The massive marvels of architecture constantly take various forms around us. Every day, we are surrounded by a multitude of buildings, bridges and roads that prove the importance of architects and engineers. There is an element of artistry that accompanies the ability to create such designs. For example, have you ever seen a stained-glass window? They are beautiful, colourful and may even depict important scenes. They also have another interesting quality. A stained-glass window has the ability to change the colour of any light that passes through it. This means that something as small as a window has complete control over the atmosphere that is created within a building. There is, of course, much to learn from this fact.
Most young people are familiar with the words “Show me your company and I’ll tell you who you are.” These words are often used by adults as a warning or criticism about the people we choose to spend our time with. These words are based on the assumption that an individual’s friends have the ability to shape his/her personality and influence his/her decisions. Initially, this may be hard to believe, since it is the ultimate truth that only we are responsible for our own actions and choices. Nevertheless, there is some truth that lies in the statement.
Consider, for example, the way we speak. Have you ever noticed that there are some phrases or words in our vocabulary that we may have picked up from our friends? Conversely, have you noticed that your friends have picked up some of the words that you use constantly? Since this is true, it is evident that we are often influenced by others without even noticing that it is occurring.
Stained-glass windows are a tiny part of a building that can colour its entire interior. Similarly, the friends that we choose to have around us are a small part of our lives that can change the entire quality of it. Taking on the role of architects, we are responsible for building lives that are fulfilling and meaningful. This can sometimes mean making difficult decisions about who we choose to keep in our lives.
If you have noticed that there are certain people who constantly bring about feelings of sadness or frustration from within you, then it is perhaps a good choice to slowly distance yourself from them. Additionally, friendships should not just be based on whether you like spending time with some people. Instead, friends should also share some common goals and be willing to motivate each other. Most importantly, finding good friends means being willing to be a good friend yourself. If a room is painted black already, even the most beautiful colours of light will disappear into the darkness.
You have the responsibility of selecting the best kind of stained-glass windows to place in the building that is your life. The results of your choices will be reflected in the kind of colours and patterns that fill your space.
