A man who lived on the northern frontier of China was skilled in interpreting events. One day, for no reason, his horse ran away to the nomads across the border. Everyone tried to console him, but his father said, "What makes you so sure this isn't a blessing?" Some months later his horse returned, bringing a splendid nomad stallion. Everyone congratulated him, but his father said, "What makes you so sure this isn't a disaster?" Their household was richer by a fine horse, which his son loved to ride. One day he fell and broke his hip. (Jean thinks that last sentence should be: One day the son fell off the horse and broke his hip) Everyone tried to console him, but his father said, "What makes you so sure this isn't a blessing?"
A year later the nomads came in force across the border, and every able-bodied man took his bow and went into battle. The Chinese frontiersmen lost nine of every ten men. Only because the son was lame did the father and son survive to take care of each other. Truly, blessing turns to disaster, and disaster to blessing: the changes have no end, nor can the mystery be fathomed.
So today, we had many inches of snow. A large maple tree in my front yard lost a big branch. Blessing for me, that tree needed trimming. Disaster for the car parked in front of my house. Blessing for me that homeowners insurance will cover it. Blessing for the blog readers - I had time to scan the rest of the flourishing alphabet and put it on the Nibs&Ink blog.
http://nibsandink.blogspot.com/
plus, i have a new obsession. sneak peek in the corner
Thank you! I enjoyed reading your post this morning. I know a few people that need to read this story. Off to check out Nibs&Ink blog as the sun shines on the mounds of snow outside of my window.
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