Life’s box of chocolates

In the movie "Forrest Gump" (1994), Tom Hunks who acts as the eponymous Mr Gump, is a simple and slow-witted fellow who just happens to be incredibly lucky. He has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, which of course pays dividends. "My mama always said, life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get," is all he says of his good fortune.

Those lines got me wondering whether our exertions in the pursuit of success all come to naught when one is not preordained to be successful. There are so many people who are talented, intelligent and hard working that never make it big. And so many others who seem not to give a care and yet things go so well with them. I used to see it in school when the book worms, even the bright ones would struggle to come on top of the class yet the stubborn ones who abhorred preps with a passion somehow would surprise everyone with stellar performances.

Recently when I watched "Forrest Gump" again, I realised its central figure is a nice, straightforward guy who life probably chooses to reward for his unpretentiousness. 

Personally I believe in what Muniini K. Mulera called the "5 P - Principles of Success" i.e. 1) Purpose, 2) Plan, 3) Priorities, 4) Practice, 5) Perseverance. These basically mean that success comes from a fusion of vision with exertion; those who set mega goals and work hard to fulfill them will not lack.

But I also remember a Biblical proverb that although man may throw the dice, it's God who determines how they may fall. For those who believe in God, it means He has the final say on our station in life. In its proper context, throwing the dice here is not just about the game of dice, but of life. Give it the best shots and you will receive something special from Mr Gump's 'box of chocolates.'