There is a famous Taoist story that I am finding so much solace in these days. It goes something like this:
A farmer’s horse ran away. His neighbors came to him to commiserate, saying, “We’re so sorry! What bad luck!” The farmer replied, “Maybe. Who knows what is good and what is bad?”
The next day the stallion returned, bringing with it six wild mares. The farmer’s neighbors came to call again, this time celebrating. “What good luck! What beautiful horses!” The farmer replied again, “Maybe. Who knows what is good and what is bad?”
The following day, the farmer’s beloved son took one of the wild horses out to ride, and it threw him off, breaking his leg. As his son lay in the back room, the neighbors came again. “What misfortune! Oh, what bad luck!” And again, the farmer said, “Maybe. Who knows what is good and what is bad?”
The very next day, soldiers came from the army, pressing all the young men of the village into service in the raging war. Because of his broken leg, the farmer’s son could not serve in the army. His neighbors crowded once more into his yard, celebrating this reprieve. “What good fortune! How happily this has all turned out! ”And the farmer said, “Maybe. Who knows what is good and what is bad?”
I know I have a lot on my mind and heart lately, and I bet you do, too. When I feel fearful and anxious about events that are out of my control, I think about the farmer. I try to remember that even the darkest times have their gifts to offer, and those that call for celebration also have unforeseen consequences.
Sending love to you today.
