Leniency: A Lesson from the Silver Screen

Dear friends, today I’d like to share a story from my past, a tale that taught me the importance of leniency. It’s a lesson I learned in an unexpected place: a movie theater.

The Unforgettable Movie Experience

Many moons ago, I found myself in a small, old-fashioned cinema in the heart of my hometown. The movie of the day was a classic Western, filled with daring heroes, dastardly villains, and high-stakes shootouts. But the real drama, as it turned out, was happening right beside me.

The Young Troublemaker

Seated next to me was a young boy, no more than ten years old. He was a restless spirit, constantly shifting in his seat, whispering to his friends, and even throwing popcorn at the screen. His antics were a distraction, to say the least.

Many in the theater were visibly annoyed, some even calling for the boy to be thrown out. But I saw something else in that boy: a youthful exuberance, a spirit of rebellion that reminded me of my own younger days.

The Lesson of Leniency

Instead of joining the chorus of complaints, I leaned over and spoke to the boy. I didn’t scold him or threaten him. Instead, I asked him about the movie, about what he liked and didn’t like. I treated him not as a nuisance, but as a fellow movie-goer.

And to my surprise, the boy calmed down. He started to engage with the movie, to really watch it. By the end, he was as engrossed as anyone else in the theater.

Why Leniency Matters

That day, I learned a valuable lesson about leniency. Sometimes, the best way to deal with a difficult situation isn’t with harshness or punishment, but with understanding and patience. It’s about giving people a chance to correct their behavior, rather than immediately writing them off.

So the next time you find yourself in a challenging situation, remember the lesson of the movie theater. Be lenient. Be patient. You might be surprised at the results.

Until next time, remember to take life one scene at a time.

Kev