#LOCKDOWN NOTES 4

Sometimes we judge people by what we can immediately see about them without realising that there is more. I recently saw on TV an old FA cup final (2017) between Chelsea and Arsenal. Sorry Chelsea fans, Arsenal won the game. One player was particularly mentioned as having had an outstanding game that day - Per Mertesacker. Prior to the game he had slipped into the shadows, not playing his best games. I remember some Arsenal fans complaining about his slow pace and seeing him more as a liability than an asset. Opinions varied anyway. But that game marked the reintroduction of Per at least for a while. In the game, he gave a masterclass in positioning and timing. Years have gone by. Today, he has retired and gone on to take charge of the Arsenal Academy which is no mean feat. He's definitely got some substance.

Sometimes, our half view of others which usually has a good dose of faults and weaknesses influences our perspective and makes us put them on a pedestal that is less than they deserve. But we should remember that the ones we look down on today can be the heroes of tomorrow. There is more in everyone of us than a shade can show. So the next time you meet someone, give them more credit than you think they deserve because they are actually made of more. Just like Achal Potode said, "Never look down on anyone except you are admiring their shoes".

Photo by Lexie Barnhorn on Unsplash