Inspired by the Parable of The Two Villages
Recently I met a man as I traveled to a new town -
he had just come from there he said, as he made a sullen frown.
“Say, what kind of people are in the village ahead”?, I asked as I walked by.
He spun around and looked me squarely in the eye.
“I would turn around if I were you; you will discover no one of any use -
I found only rude and angry people, ready to offer all kinds of abuse”
As I paused and wondered if I should continue on that course,
I saw another man, riding toward me on his horse.
This gentleman happened to be coming from the very same place.
I greeted him and noticed a smile upon his jovial face.
I was curious as to his take on the area he had just come from -
“what is your impression of the people”?, I asked the good man.
“It is the most marvelous spot that you will ever find -
the people there are gracious, friendly and so very kind.”
I said goodbye to the stranger and pondered on what lay ahead -
it was clear that each man had a varied experience and frankly I was confused by what
they said.
Why was there such a divergence of opinion about a community of this sort?
Were the people as devoid as a desert or as refreshing as a tropical resort?
A thought came to me as I deliberated further,
perhaps each man had found what they had really searched for.
I decided to continue on my journey to the community up ahead -
I knew that I would find whatever I looked for in every place I would tread.
The faults of another may be easy to see -
the good things may be hidden until we look more carefully.
When we focus on seeing the good, the flaws will not take center stage -
we will not look beyond the mark and miss opportunities to embrace people of every age.
I learned a great lesson that day on the road to this city of mystery and wonder -
that I should look for the good in every person I encounter.
August – September 2021
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