Yesterday, Theo gave me four questions to answer, two of which involved finding both the good and bad in a situation. Later, he shared this parable with me that illustrated the concept well. It has been around for a long time and the author is unknown.
Maybe, Said the Farmer
Author unknown
Once upon a time, there was an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit. “Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically.
“Maybe,” the farmer replied.
The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. “How wonderful,” the neighbors exclaimed.
“Maybe,” replied the old man.
The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune.
“Maybe,” answered the farmer.
The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out.
“Maybe,” said the farmer.
Excellent story, maybe!
ReplyDeleteMaybe! :)
DeleteAnne, you made me laugh.
DeleteSometimes the simplest stories make you think the most.
I guess that must be why they are passed from generation to generation.
DeleteMaybe! :)
DeleteIt's how one looks at things, isn't it? Thank you for sharing the parable with us!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's all about perspective. Maybe.
DeleteYou never know....
ReplyDeleteHave a dozen of one, six of another...
Delete