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 the son loved to ride. One day he fell 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 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.
I have the mood to do some oil painting today and wondered for a while if i should continue the half-finish painting our doggie had trampled over 2 months back when i had left the painting on the floor to dry. The more i looked at it, the more interesting it looked(back) to me. Indeed, I had posted and lamented about the damaged work back then on my facebook and some friends had commended the damage as actually a plus point, like a finishing touch, an interesting twist to the painting.
And as i sat there studying the painting today, i found myself smiling at it. The painting with it's funny paw prints somehow just evoked a smile to me. Then and there, i decided to leave it alone as it was. It was as complete as it could be! Many things in life has a way of emerging better or worst than we think huh. Some seemingly unfortunate events can turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Likewise for good things... That's a good reminder isn't it? When things seem bleak, the thought of it as being a potential blessing in disguise helps us to look at the bright side of things. And when good things are going good, while we are riding on it, we can try to be mindful and not let overt optimism blind us to potential tripping. :)
