I had the Karate Kid playing on Netflix while eating dinner the past two nights. There’s a scene early in the film when Danny Larusso skips school to visit Mr. Miyagi at his workshop, and there’s a bit of dialogue that caught my attention:
Miyagi: Oh, Daniel-san, you too much by self. Not good.
Danny: I’m not by myself. I’m with you.
Miyagi: To make honey, young bee need young flower… not old prune.
You know, it makes you feel a bit silly when you’re convicted by some line out of a cheesy old eighties flick. Still, Mr. Miyagi was a wise character. Context of the film aside, it’s true that man is not made to be alone. It’s just not right. Heck, that’s why God made Eve in the Garden of Eden.
It was probably doubly convicting because I was watching it by myself (and it’s not like I haven’t seen the movie before!) What’s more, the kid’s name just happens to be Daniel, so Miyagi might as well have been talking to me. Except I’m not going to learn Karaté anytime soon!
…
But, metaphorically speaking (oh boy, this is getting deep!), perhaps I do have something to learn. Whereas Danny was afraid to go to school for fear of getting beat up by Johnny Lawrence and his gang, could it be that I’m afraid of getting out and meeting new people? Eh… not so much. Rather, I think my problem is more that I’ve become a tad bit too comfortable being alone.
So, I don’t need to learn karaté, but I do need to get out more. After all, God made me, just like everyone else, to fellowship with others. Thanks for the reminder, Mr. Miyagi.
God bless, and good night!
-Daniel
P.S. Just in case you’re feeling super sorry for me after reading this, don’t! I do in fact have friends that I see from time to time, and I do get out of my apartment frequently. It’s just that I could do a whole lot more than I am right now, and I’m pretty certain that I’m not the only one who feels this way.
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