Two Winds

Nathan was walking along an open path when the wind changed. First, a hot wind rushed toward him, dry and sharp. It clung to his skin, pressed against his face, and made walking uncomfortable.

A man ahead of him stopped and complained loudly. “This heat is unbearable,” he said, waving his cloth angrily at the air. Nathan slowed down but kept walking.

A little further on, the wind shifted again. This time it was cold. It slipped under his clothes, stiffened his fingers, and made his steps cautious.

Another man pulled his shawl tight and muttered, “This cold is impossible to endure.” Nathan paused for a moment. 

He felt the heat that had already passed. He felt the cold that was now present. Neither asked for permission. Neither planned to stay.

Nathan adjusted his steps, pulled his cloth closer, and continued walking. The wind did what it had to do.  Nathan did what was needed. When the path finally grew calm, the men were still talking about the wind. Nathan had already moved on.

Moral

Discomfort does not become suffering unless resisted. Endurance is not struggle—it is steadiness.