Bad luck? “Perhaps”

How do you typically respond when life throws you a lemon? You know, a bad break or disappointment.

This story is a super strong example of how your choice of perspective impacts your emotions and ultimately influences your response.  

The difference is night and day. An absolute game changer.

There was an old farmer who had worked his crops for decades. One day, his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit and sympathetically said, that’s such bad luck. 

The farmer replied, “perhaps.” 

The next day the horse returned bringing with it, three other wild horses. 

The neighbors said, what great luck.

Perhaps, replied the old man.

The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses and was thrown off and broke his leg.

The neighbors came once again to offer their sympathies on his misfortune, and said, such bad luck. 

Perhaps, said the farmer. 

The day after, the military officials came to the village to draft young men into the Army. Seeing that the young man had a broken leg the officials passed him by. 

The neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good fortune and how well things had turned out. 

Perhaps, said the farmer.

The lesson - We’ve all had experiences where the curse turned into the blessing.

The rejection turns into the redirection. And the unanswered prayer is the best thing that ever could have happened to you. 

This parable reminds you to take it all in stride. 

You never know what begets something else. 

Even when people found themselves in circumstances and events that were horrible and painful, ones that you and I would probably say, heck no to trading places with them. 

But, when asking them if they wished it didn’t happen to them, they would say with absolute certainty and confidence - they would not trade it for anything. 

Because it’s what led to the evolution of who they are now, what they now know, and who they have become. 

Upon reflection of the many uncertain and upsetting moments in my life, I have discovered and truly do believe they were priceless teaching moments from above. 

At the very top of those lessons learned was and still is; humility, trust, and faith. 

Humility to never give yourself too much credit for your success. Yet, not to beat yourself up too much when you fail. 

Trust in our Heavenly Father; his word, his way, his love, his mercy, his grace. Not to place it in possessions or prizes of this world. 

Faith to believe and know “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28 NIV

What seems like a tragedy can perhaps be the greatest gift of your life. 

Stand tall. Say, Here I am. Use setbacks for good and as set ups for even greater things to come. 

Make it an amazing week,

Brock 

P.S. Opposition provides Opportunity - choose to see those moments as tests.  Use them to share your Hope and Light. 

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