This week I’m enjoying my annual family summer reunion. So once again, I’m sharing this Chinese parable – hoping you’re like me and can’t remember anything I’ve written more than a week ago!
One day a farmer’s horse ran away. His neighbor hears of his bad news and comes over to commiserate. “I hear that you lost your horse. That is bad news.” “Bad news, good news, who’s to say,” said the farmer.
Well, the next day the farmer’s horse returns to his stable and has brought back nine wild horses. The neighbor across the way can’t believe what he hears and decides to come over and congratulate him. “This is such good news,” he says. “Good news, bad news, who’s to say,” said the farmer.
The next day the farmer’s son decided to ride one of the wild horses, and as luck would have it, the son was thrown from the horse and broke his leg. Of course, upon hearing this sad news, their neighbor came over to offer condolences. “This is such bad news,” he said. “Bad news, good news, who’s to say,” said the farmer.
On the following day, soldiers came by commandeering an army. They took sons from most of the surrounding farms, but because the farmer’s son had a broken leg, he could not go and was spared.
The neighbor comes running over and says, “Yes! This is such good news; how lucky you are!” And the farmer replies, “Good news, bad news, who’s to say?”
Have you experienced “bad news” from which you later found some “good news”? This parable of the Chinese farmer reminds us that our situation is always fluid, and we shouldn’t become too consumed by either our good fortune or bad. There is no magic crystal ball to tell us what our future holds.
When we experience hardships and accidents, we can take comfort in looking for the hidden benefits and opportunities. Granted it may not compensate for the current hurt and pain, but we’re tough and resilient. And the “good news”? Much of what we have learned about life has come from the “bad news” we have experienced.
The second question for your “Soul Portrait”: How would you describe your attitude?
BRAIN TEASE: And there’s more! 12.) “200 = D for P G in M”; 13.) “8 = S on a SS”; 14.) “3 B M (S H T R”); 15) “4 = Q in a G”; 16) “24 = H in a D”; 17.) “1 = W on a U”; 18.) “57 = H V”; 19.) “5 = D in a Z C”; 20.) “11 = P on a F B T”; 21.) “1000 = W that a P is W”; 22.) “29 = in F in a L Y.”
HAL told Dave, “This conversation can serve no purpose anymore. Goodbye” in the 1968 science fiction movie, 2001: A Space Odyssey – which I’m finding more disturbing with the accelerating advances in Artificial Intelligence. Since I’m enjoying the family reunion, I’ll mention everyone who sent in the correct answer in two weeks.
This is a tougher movie quote. For this week’s “Remember When” question, in what 1954 movie, ranked as one of the greatest movies of all time, did Terry Malloy played by Marlon Brando say, “You don’t understand! I could’ve had class. I could’ve been a contender. I could’ve been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am.”? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or send it with a picture of longshoremen on a New York dock loading barrels of corn syrup.
Well, it’s been another week, trying to keep my end of the bargain. Until we meet again, remember the old Chinese proverb, “If you don’t know what to say, tell an old Chinese proverb”.
“Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.” The Dalai Lama
Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.
Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Wednesdays with music on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) – Tuesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).
For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services: Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).
Answers to last week’s Brain Tease.
- Letters of the Alphabet; 2. Days of the Week; 3. Arabian Nights; 4. Signs of the Zodiac; 5. Cards in a Deck (with Joker); 6. Planets in the Solar System; 7. Piano Keys; 8. Stripes on the American Flag; 9. Degrees Fahrenheit at which Water Freezes; 10. Holes on a Golf Course; 11. Degrees in a Right Angle.
