The Chinese Farmer

I have had an especially challenging dayAnd this time, it’s impacted my ability to writeFirst time in 70 daysDang.It does, however, give me a chance to share a storyOne I’m sure you knowBut the whole point of this explorationIs bringing to mind tools we might have forgotten we haveAnd how we need each otherTo remind each otherToday I need the story of the Chinese FarmerThe one whose horse ran awayAnd all of his neighbors came and said, “oh, what bad luck!”To which the farmer replied: “Maybe”And how the next daythe horse returned, bringing wild horses with it.And the neighbors said, “Oh, my! What good fortune!”To which the farmer replied: “Maybe.”Then, when the farmer’s son tried to ride one of the wild horses,And broke his leg.The neighbors said, “Oh, that’s too bad!”And the farmer said, “Maybe.”And of course, then, soon after, soldiers came to draft young men for war.They saw the son’s broken leg and left him behind.The neighbors said, “You’re so lucky.”And the farmer said, “Maybe.”Judging the moment isn’t helpful or trueWe know this, but we forgetSo, today, may we witness without judgingFeel the sun warm on our facesAnd know lots of people care about usWhether we’re Lucky or unluckyToday This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fallingtenderly.substack.com