“You Never Know . . .”
There was once a farmer in a village that had a horse that he treasured. One day the horse ran away. The farmers neighbor came over to express his condolences, “I am sorry that your horse ran away” said the neighbor. In return the farmer said “You never know, who knows if this is good or bad”. The next day the prized horse returned bringing with it eleven wild horses it had met during its adventures. The neighbor seeing this came over to congratulate the farmer on his good fortune. Once again the farmer said “You never know …”. The next day the farmer’s son was thrown from one of the wild horses as he was trying to tame it. The fall from the horse resulted in the son breaking his leg. The neighbor came again to express how bad he felt about the son’s injury. For the third time the farmer stated “You never know …” Shortly there after the King sent out his soldiers to draft all of the young men from the village to fight in a war but because of his son’s broken leg he was not taken off to war. Hearing the news, the neighbor came over and exclaimed to the farmer had fortunate a man he was to have his son spared. You can guess what the farmer said to that.
- Author Unknown
This story helps to illustrate that we never really know what is good or bad and also how our journey is ever changing. All is not what it always appears to be at first glance. What we consider good or bad, right or wrong is often a matter of perspective and a mater of time. There are always going to be happenings in our life, some of these we will perceive as ups others as downs. Change occurs with or without our permission and acceptance.
When we develop an awareness that change is part of the journey and that we never know if something is good or bad in the larger context and therefore that everything happens for a reason and is as it should be we then are able to accept the changes that happen, the perceived bumps in the road with wisdom and peace.
Consider whatever is happening in your life right now and think about how you are categorizing what is happening. Is it good or bad, right or wrong, fair or unfair? Now, stop and consider the possibility that you may not know if something is good or bad, etc because you can not see the whole picture. Consider the possibility that all things that happen in your life happen for a positive reason even though that which is happening does not feel like a positive experience.
When you are able to do this you then begin to accept life as it comes and like the farmer in the story you do not label happenings as good or bad you simply allow as you trust in your divine self and the divinity of the universe. Living this way is the way of the authentic self and when we live the way of the authentic self we live a truly free and joyful life!
Good sunny Sunday afternoon to you, Mark.
It’s better to have the farmer’s attitude… I’m coming to realize that acceptance of what is makes things much easier.
I can plan, I can take action steps, I can work on things to the best of my abilities at that moment in time – and still, maybe my dreams have not materialized yet.
So I can accept it and stop hoping for the unattainable – and thus be content with where I am…
‘You never know’ is a good way to be philosphical about life.
Hi Mark,
“You never know” – I like that. And it reminds me of a time many years ago, when I was just out of college. And the company I worked for had significantly slowed business, resulting in a companywide layoff. I remember sitting next to this guy I had gotten to know in my short time there – he had been there many years. And then he was called into that room instead of me(because I had a degree…a mistake on their part, I think, to go solely by that). So, he was laid off. And I felt really bad. And then I talked to him a few months later – and he couldn’t have been happier – this change had given him the courage to try something he’d always wanted to do – and he had found a good space in his life! You never know…
And that stays with me to this day – that what might seem bad (or good for that matter) – can all change pretty quickly – and be just the opposite of what we’re thinking.
And it’s a good reminder for me again today.
Excellent These treasures words are the most important lesson and way to life by”To trust in the divine self and the divinity of the universe”
To remind yourself “bad” does not exist is another way of telling the self that love presents in many forms and formless states. Every experience empowers you. I encourage readers to consult: http://blog.dreambuilders.com.au/journal/2009/6/13/13-ways-to-open-the-memory-wider.html#entry4303347
My previous Supervisor who had the job of informing me that my job was cut in May told me this story…. he called it a modern day parable. It has stuck to me like glue! I actually thought at the time that the cut felt more like a blessing than a curse because the work environment was so darn toxic. And since then, the world of work on my end has unfolded in the most extraordinary ways. Who knows if it is good or bad……. and maybe it will take til the end of life to know. Or maybe it doesn’t really matter in the long run…in the BIGGER picture of things.
Since that conversation with my Supervisor (who is also a dear friend), this modern day parable has been shared with others….and seems to be painting my thoughts differently. I like the change.
That’ what is life. You never really know, why some things take place. As they say, there is enough logic in the randomness of life. There are events, reasons for which, we cant comprehend. But when we give a 3rd party view to our own lives after a while, only then are we able to realise that Life, did indeed have some grander plans for us. Nothing is random and at the end of the day, seems that life is playing according to a set plan.
As I look back on my life, I can see some things that felt really “bad” when they were happening that absolutely had to transpire in order for me to reach the point I’m at today. This post is a great reminder of that. Thank you!
I love this story. I first heard it during a Paul McKenna audio session and reading it again just now made me smile. This kind of attitude is the key to a life free of stress and worry.
The following phrase was posted by a kindred blogger and I carry it with me always.
“Everything is as it should be – if it was meant to be any different – it would be..”
Thank you
Mark:
Where do you find these perfect stories??? I never really thought about this before.
But, now, I see how it is very true. Being an INFJ, I tend to judge every experience. I put everything in the “oh, THIS is a giant disaster” or “this is the best thing that ever happened to me!” categories. I systematically sort everything that way, clearing out any gray territory or the possibility that a good thing could be bad or a bad thing could be good.
Ugh. I guess I need to work on my MO.
So true that we like to label things. So true, too, that we need to let that go…
I’ve heard this story or variations of it before. It’s quite a lesson. Thank you for sharing it again. Peace, Sharie
Great story to share the message with today! No need in labeling everyting as good or bad…it’s really a matter of perspective. . . As I walked into work today, it was raining a little. I love walking in the rain without an umbrella. I love to feel the drops of rain on my skin… Anywho, a co-worker commented, “you really love the rain, dont’ you Cordie.” I replied, ” Yes, I do, but I love the sunshine too. Both have their ups…. and their downfalls”
no pun intended.
Super article, Mark. As always, PLL, C.
I lvoe this post and needed to read it today. I find it easy to live life with this attitude when things are moving right along – it is when the going gets tough and the illusions start that it is difficult to consider that life is – from our perspective – largely unwritten. Sometimes we have to prepare our minds and our hearts for the challenge of each day and adopt that attitude – you just never know!!
I don’t know what the future holds and although that is tough sometimes… it is also kind of exciting!
I feel that when I label something I can put it into that habit and chase it in the same manner as has become the routine.
The healing practices I am using right now are so different to me that I must pay great attention – so having this problem is teaching me new things and new ways of thinking.
Today on my walk I did not think ‘oh my ads are so weak from this torn muscle event’ rather I thought I am walking tall and straight and that lifted my ribs off the sore spot when moving – it gave me more energy and I felt better, then I thought to put my hips in a different position and that help my legs swing in a greater pattern and that felt good also…and gave me energy.
I do not know if this was good or bad but I felt better and my brain enjoyed the workout too!
Nice post, which is neither good nor bad…just here for me to enjoy.
Over the years I have met numerous people who have have for one reason or another suddenly lost their jobs, and almost every one of them (once over the initial grief) has said that once the dust had settled it was the best thing that ever happened to them. Good or bad? You choose!
Jon
I knew someone that I was in the hospital with, the day after they were admitted their family house burned down. They might not have made it out due to their condtion…i love this post it truly paints a picture of you dont know what is ahead of the road you are on….Zman sends
I’ve always found this to be very true in my life. I can look back through the years and actually connect the dots of various events that have lead me to the life I have now. You never know… but so far life is good
Terrific post. Thank you.
I love this story, it is such a powerful reminder to love everything that comes our way. It is all good whether we see it right then or not. Getting into conflict with what is, only makes the journey a rougher ride.
I agree that it’s hard sometimes to know what is good or bad. What can seem bad in one moment can actually be good for us in the long run. We never know where our lives are going to take us and this post — and the story within it — really reminds us of that.
Hi Mark! This story helps us hold on to our hope, that good things can still happen no matter how frustrating everything becomes
Awesome post, and excellent point. One never knows until we have the benefit of distance and hindsight, if something is truly good or bad. It’s all about the journey in life – that’s what makes it so exciting!
Hi Mark,
Outstanding post. My friend just got news that her job is going to be phrased out so I will pass this story on to her.
Thank you.
Great story. And I sure hope there is something positive to come from all the turmoil in my life!
“You never know…”….. so true! if at all probably, instead of one trying to analyse the surface of actions, dividing them as per concepts, it would be wise to move deeper and learn to see that which propels that action. In that process, acceptance blossoms and the fragrance emanates to see it as it is…
wonderful insight Mark!
Mark,
I agree, when things happen to us, good or bad, we should not necessarily assume that things are as they seem, and I love your analogy which you use to illustrate this in your discussion.
That said, when positive things happen, we should not look a gift horse in the mouth.