I do believe everything happens, and then we decide what reason it’s for. In fact, based on the reason we decide it’s for, it changes everything else that happens after.
Have you heard the The Parable of the Chinese Farmer?
An old farmer’s horse ran away.
His neighbors said, “What terrible luck!”
The farmer replied, “Maybe. We’ll see.”
A few days later, the horse returned, bringing several wild horses with it.
His neighbors said, “What wonderful luck!”
The farmer replied, “Maybe. We’ll see.”
The farmer’s son tried to ride one of the wild horses, was thrown off, and broke his leg.
His neighbors said, “What terrible luck!”
The farmer replied, “Maybe. We’ll see.”
Soon after, soldiers came through the village, drafting every able-bodied young man into war.
Because the farmer’s son had a broken leg, he was left behind.
His neighbors said, “What wonderful luck!”
The farmer replied, “Maybe. We’ll see.”
I love this story because it’s devoid of the rampant emotions we sometimes experience when life happens. It reminds me that not everything needs an immediate judgment or reaction.
I’ve found that when I let things unfold and choose to believe they’re working for my good, my response is completely different. On the other hand, when I react with anger or convince myself the world is against me, I start noticing more and more evidence that seems to confirm that belief.
For me, this story is a reminder that while I can’t control everything that happens, I can choose the meaning I give it and the attitude I bring to it. More often than not, that choice opens the door to possibilities I never would have seen otherwise.
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