Before Jayden even became a teenager, a pivotal moment occurred that would shape the trajectory of his young life. One fateful day, he witnessed the sad effects of bad influences in the form of a group of older children who were up to no good, engaging in reckless behavior.

This particular afternoon, after the final bell echoed through the emptying school corridors, Jayden found himself lingering near the back of the school grounds. To his surprise, he stumbled upon a group of older children clandestinely sneaking a smoke. He had seen these boys from the upper grades; they were the ones who appeared to have a relentless pursuit of personal glory. These same boys created a chaotic landscape with other rivals that often clashed. As he observed the puffing clouds of smoke-filled tobacco, he wondered, did the smoke blind them to their own inflated sense of worth? Jayden couldn't fathom why they would engage in such a harmful activity. They all had been forever warned about the well-known health risks associated with smoking, and he questioned whether they truly understood the consequences. As he cautiously walked past, he hoped they wouldn't invite him to join their forbidden activity.

Jayden, with a sense of both concern and determination, silently vowed to make choices that would preserve his well-being and steer clear of harmful behaviors that could compromise his health and future. It was in that troublesome time that he realized the power of association and the profound impact it could have on one's character. Determined not to follow that path, he decided to distance himself from negativity and deliberately sought out friends who valued the simple joys that were around them. This early experience fueled Jayden's resolve to surround himself with positive influences, setting the stage for the uplifting journey that lay ahead.

As Jayden grew older, his circle of friends may have dwindled in size, but this small group became a source of strength. They constantly reminded him of the importance of humility, preventing the pitfalls of arrogance that often plagued those who focused solely on what they couldn't do. They celebrated one another's achievements, fostering an environment where each success was a shared victory. Because of this, Jayden's humility became a cornerstone of his character, allowing him to navigate the challenges of adolescence with grace and kindness.

Navigating the ups and downs of adolescence was no joke; he keenly observed the intricate struggle that existed between pride and humility. It became evident to him that those who exuded pride often found it difficult to embrace humility. Witnessing classmates boasting about their achievements and belittling others, Jayden discerned the toxic impact pride had on their behavior. He noted how arrogance led to strained relationships, closed minds, and an overall sense of discontent.

School became the world where pride permeated the air, creating a figurative collision course among individuals. For it was a great thing to be proud, but what seemed to go unnoticed were the consequences of this pride, which seemed almost unmanageable. Each person, consumed by the need to assert their own self-importance and accomplishments, found themselves in a silent internal war with each other. It was cool to be conceited, even though it would hinder genuine connections and fostered an environment of discontent. In this collision of egos, empathy was lost, understanding was scarce, and cooperation became a distant ideal. It became evident that, in the absence of humility and mutual respect, this collision course of pride would only lead to fractures in relationships and a fragmented sense of collective well-being.

Fortunately, Jayden had his spiritual friends who always prompted him to prioritize humility in his own life. Understanding that humility allowed for growth, compassion, and genuine connections, he committed himself to staying humble, recognizing the inherent beauty in acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses.

Jayden's journey unfolded not as he might have meticulously planned but as a testament to the profound wisdom of trusting in Jehovah's guidance. Embracing the present and understanding that life's course may not always align with personal expectations, Jayden allowed Jehovah to direct his steps. Through the ups and downs, Jayden's commitment to serving his loving heavenly Father became the cornerstone of a happy and rewarding life. By prioritizing a relationship with Jehovah, Jayden learned that the true value of his actions came from being aligned with God's purpose and will.

In the delicate weave of his existence with the prideful world that encircled him, Jayden found fulfillment and joy by living each moment in faithful service, recognizing that the ultimate fulfillment lay in trusting Jehovah and allowing Him to shape the path of a purposeful and deeply rewarding life.

Thank you for reading,
-Soli Jehova Gloria (1 Corinthians 10:31)