An old man had a fine horse that ran away.
His neighbors came to comfort him.
“Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically.
“Maybe,” the farmer replied.
The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. “How wonderful,” the neighbors exclaimed.
“Maybe,” said the farmer.
The following day, his son tried to ride one of the wild horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again showed up to offer their sympathy on his misfortune.
“Maybe,” answered the farmer.
The day after his son’s accident, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son’s leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out.
“Maybe,” said the farmer.
The old farmer did not judge the events above; rather he saw them as situations that presented many choices.
Our ability to create alternatives, develop options and select choices in challenging situations, remains one of our most precious gifts.
Make the most of your choices and share the gift of non-judgement generously with those around you this holiday season.
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