Open Hands
Story
A wild horse appeared one day and made its home in a farmer’s field. “How lucky you are to have acquired such a fine horse for nothing!” said his neighbours. “Maybe, maybe not,” replied the farmer.
The farmer’s son, his only help around the farm, tried to ride the horse. It threw him, breaking his legs. “How unlucky for you,” chorused the neighbours. “Maybe, maybe not,” replied the farmer.
His son was left behind when the emperor’s soldiers arrived in the village to conscript all the young, able-bodied men into the army, many of whom would die in the war. Meanwhile, the wild horse ran away. “How unfortunate!” cried the neighbours. “Maybe, maybe not,” said the farmer.
The horse returned to the field, bringing his entire herd with him. “What good fortune!” exclaimed the neighbours. “Maybe, maybe not,” reflected the wise farmer.
The message is simple: hold your possessions in life very loosely because you don’t know when they will be taken from you.
Question
Is there a difference between giving something up willingly and Christ taking something from you? How are each perceived in the eyes of the Lord?
Quote
We must be willing to part with the “things” of this world whenever we are asked for them. If we find our hearts unwilling to part with anything, then there is improper attachment. If we find our minds being consumed by anything material, then there is improper attachment. If we find we get envious and jealous of our neighbours, then there is improper attachment. If we find ourselves being disturbed by the loss of material “things”, then there is improper attachment. In short, whenever we want to do anything just to bring pleasure to ourselves, then there is improper attachment. Hold all things with an open hand.
St John of the Ladder