"Write your problems down and put the papers in front of me,” [a wise man said to a group of complainers].
When everyone finished, the wise man mixed all the papers in a basket, then said, “Keep this basket moving amongst you. Each of you will take a paper, and read it. You will then choose whether to keep your problems, or take the one given to you.”
Each person took a sheet of paper, read it, and was horrified. They concluded that what they had written, however bad it was, was not as serious as what ailed his neighbor. Two hours later, they exchanged papers amongst themselves, and each one had to put their personal problems back into his or her pocket, relieved that their distress was not as hard as they once thought.
Grateful for the lesson, they went down the mountain with the certainty that they were happier than all the others.
I think it's really easy to get caught up in our own problems. We all do it and I am guilty as well. Surely, my job is hard at times, but I'd rather do what I am doing, than some of the other terrible jobs in the world. So whether school is really hard right now or you're having relationship drama or family issues, there are people far worse off. Take a moment and reflect. Then smile and be grateful for some good things in your life.
Please feel free to comment on your thoughts to this parable. I'd love to get some discussion going.
The original blog can be found at here.
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