Blog Post #3

In the third section of the reading, I noticed a reoccurring theme: to listen to elders. During the story, "Rice Husband", the mother could predict evils. She told Lena that for every grain of rice she did not finish, her husband would have an imperfection. Time and time again, Lena would leave heaps of rice untouched. She was bound to marry her childhood neighbor named Arnold who had severe acne and facial imperfections. Lena refused to marry Arnold and wished him to die. She started finishing all of her rice and even suffered from anorexia to prevent her husband from being imperfect. Years later, Arnold died and Lena sobbed and mourned for his loss. She was unhappy with her present marriage and regretted every wishing anything bad upon Arnold. I feel as though there are two very important lessons within this story: to listen to elders and to practice what you preach. These are two of many of the important lessons that I was raised to practice. This section of the book was very relatable because it showed that one has to accept their own fate. One cannot change their fate. God has a different plan for everybody. If one tries to change their fate, they will only feel heartbroken and hurt in the end. This reminded me of one of my favorite quotes: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference". This just goes to show that one, ultimately, cannot escape what's in store for them; they will receive their fate one way or another.