In the traditions of China, wisdom often came wrapped in story. This is such a teaching and it begins like this…
There was once a farmer in a small village. One day, his horse ran away.
The neighbours came to comfort him: “Such bad luck!” they said.
The farmer simply replied: “Maybe. We’ll see.”
A few days later, the horse returned, bringing with it a whole herd of wild horses.
The neighbours cheered: “Such good luck!”
The farmer smiled gently: “Maybe. We’ll see.”
Soon after, the farmer’s son tried to ride one of the new horses but fell and broke his leg.
The neighbours gasped: “Such terrible luck!”
The farmer quietly said: “Maybe. We’ll see.”
Not long after, the army came to the village to recruit all the young men. But because of his broken leg, the farmer’s son was spared.
The neighbours whispered in awe: “Such good luck!”
And again, the farmer replied: “Maybe. We’ll see.”
The Wisdom in this Story
Life is unpredictable. Events that seem “good” or “bad” in the moment can take on new meaning with time. The farmer’s wisdom lies in his calm acceptance of all that life brings. Instead of clinging to judgement or swinging between despair and excitement, he stays grounded in the present.
Pause and Ponder
Take a quiet moment with your journal and consider:
- How often do you label events as good or bad too quickly?
- How might it help ease worries or frustration if you trust that even challenges may carry hidden blessings?
- What would it feel like to allow space for things to unfold in stead of standing in judgement of it?
A Gentle Reminder
Life will always have its twists and turns. What feels like a setback today may open the door to something unexpected tomorrow. The parable teaches us that peace comes not from controlling life, but from trusting its flow.
Stories can spark change. May this one ignite your evolution.
