Teddy and The Guardian: On Trust and Truth
This is an interesting insight into the purity of young people eager to learn the ways of the world but too innocent to know where to start. It is a conversation to learn from, to stand by, and to remember our humility if we are to grow as human beings.
It was only after the tragic loss of his mother and father that Teddy, a bright young man curious for life and everything in it, felt alone in the world for the first time. Eager to know why things happen the way they do, he soon met his court-appointed Guardian named Sebastian, a man wise in years and well seasoned in the ways of the world, gently approached the vulnerable teenager and said: “this is your only chance to make yourself new again, to trust again, if you wish to know the life you live.” With sad eyes, Teddy looked up, “and who are you that I should trust now?”
Sebastian: I am Sebastian, Master Guardian of your life now. The fact that I am the one to bring you the gift of trust is unimportant; what is important is to know what I do not bring: the fantasy of trust, which is the truth behind the illusion of it. Trust is not a pledge to do right by someone, nor is it something built on the stilts of faith embroidered in promises that glitters out a hope for an outcome; instead and simply put, trust is the truth behind a commitment that is earned through time.
Teddy: But how can I begin to trust someone without first basing it on a leap of faith?
Sebastian: Look to the eyes for the sincerity you seek; the look of a trusting person will never mislead you. And don’t be afraid to put your trust in your own ability to perceive the truth behind a person eager to earn your trust. But you must be patient: observe carefully and don’t let the whims and pangs of your youth cloud your judgment. The insincerity of a person is most often seen in the inconsistencies by which that person lives and tailors his life. Time will show you how much to trust someone, so use my advice as patiently as there are hours in the day and you will find the truth in a trust.
Teddy: And what is truth Master?
Sebastian: To find truth, you must first feel the betrayal of that which is not truth: the lie. And this betrayal will come to you as a painful experience in your life. It is only through this insight that you will learn how to trust what is true and pure among people you meet; this is the way you will pattern your life as a measure of building your life in the years to come. Remember, truth is promised to no one: it simply happens by the choices we make.
…and as the Master looked on, Teddy thought carefully about his words, and grew.
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