We plan, Allah plans, and Allah is the best of planners.
On focusing on things you can control and leaving those beyond your control.
Assalam alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu.
Hope you're well and in the best state of health, and iman?
Today, I am writing to share something I have struggled with accepting but had to come to terms with.
During the heat of the strike, my parent would always remind me that, "it is not how far but how well and finishing first doesn't guarantee finishing best". Sometimes, they even give an analogy: What if your friend graduates three years before you and had to wait 5 years to get a good job while you get a job immediately after leaving school, has it not been levelled?
It was not an easy pill to swallow, and I would always question why it has to be me finishing later. Bear in mind that it doesn't always happen this way. Your friend could finish three years before you and get a good job immediately he finishes.
However, upon deeper reflection, one thing I have come to realise is that our paths are completely different. Some people have an early start in life, and some, a later start. Both are completely fine. Worrying over things that you have no control over would only do one thing, stress you without bringing forth solutions.
I will admit that sometimes it is still difficult to come to terms with why I have to be the one behind, and why it has to be one year from my life that has to be sacrificed to the tussle between ASUU and the Federal Government. But at times like that, I just put it to Allah because He is the best of planners. While I focus on what I can control, a technique that saves me from a lot of worrying.
Know that worrying about situations you can't control would only stress you without bringing forth solutions.
I will leave you with this, a reminder for me and you.
وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ وَكِيلًا
And rely upon Allah; and sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs.
كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلْقِتَالُ وَهُوَ كُرْهٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ وَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تَكْرَهُوا۟ شَيْـًٔا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ وَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تُحِبُّوا۟ شَيْـًٔا وَهُوَ شَرٌّ لَّكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.
Till we meet again by his grace,
Sending you Lots of love, hugs, and dua💙.
Warmest Salam,
Halimah from Jaleesah.