So I had to share this - it was in my book that I'm currently reading, so of course I then got Google to find the electronic version for me.
A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying'--or whatever mules do when they fall into wells.
After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving.
Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened...and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.
Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back...a thought struck him.
It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back...HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow.
"Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself.
No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!
You're right! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL!
What seemed like would bury him, actually blessed him...all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.
THAT'S LIFE!
If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity...THE ADVERSITIES THAT COME ALONG TO BURY US USUALLY HAVE WITHIN THEM THE POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT AND BLESS US!
How can we all not learn something from that? Here's to everyone shaking it off and stepping up.
Cheers, Fi
Right back at you. Great post! Going up against adversity I think helps shape we were are or who we become. And re church. I gathered over the course of reading your blog that you didn't attend church but that is ok. To quote you, 'Same, same, but different'. I never judge others just because they do not practice *organized* religion, in a building. We are all spiritual and believe in the way that we are comfortable with, used to, etc. And you can train up your children to be considerate, compassionate, etc without having to go to church or necessarily believe for that matter which I am certain you have done based on what a thoughtful and caring person you are. And my word, a few came to me. You will have to check back later because I think I have figured out the one that fits the best. Have a great day/night!
ReplyDeleteI posted my word. Check it out.
ReplyDeleteI love this story Fi -- and it is true, it is not the incidents that make the difference, it's our attitude and how we deal with them.
ReplyDeleteHugs
What an excellent parable, Fi, and so very true. There is a song by my favorite music band Sister Hazel called "Change Your Mind." The message in the song is that it's not your life, but rather how you choose to look at your life that is important. The story about the donkey and the well is an example of that philosophy.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing.
Hey Fi,
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking I could really do something in my own life with this story, right now. Thank you. And Happy New Year!!