Boy on the Sidewalk

Daniel Cabrera, a 9-year old boy, sat on his legs as he worked on his school assignment beside a McDonald’s Restaurant where there was enough light, as there was none at home. His mother was working in a nearby eatery. He was oblivious of the noise, the elements and the people around him, as he studied his lessons on the sidewalk. He caught the attention of a passing university student who took a photo and posted this on her Facebook account.

That photo became viral in the social network. For a moment, Daniel was the center of media attention, with generous people responding to the needs of the boy. To Joyce Torrefranca, the university student, and many others, Daniel is an inspiration.

On the other hand, success stories of famous school drop-outs like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs have become an excuse for a number of our youths in not pursuing a degree. Not that they cannot afford, quite a number are well-to-do. They think that their present material abundance will carry them through life; maybe for a few.  Without sufficient knowledge and lacking in fundamental life tools, these “Richie Richs” can fall into the abyss of poverty, hopelessness and hardship. While riches slip out of one’s hand like sand, knowledge sticks in the mind for a lifetime.  “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.” (Proverbs 16:16)

To pursue knowledge is to attain wisdom, and to have wisdom is to appreciate life and to appreciate in life. “For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12)

Carry on, Daniel in your pursuit of knowledge. Farther ahead in your life journey, there is more than gold. (Bro Mel B Libre)