by categorizing an event as either good or bad we are telling ourselves an incomplete story…
“There is an ancient parable about a farmer who lost his horse. The neighbors came over and said, “Oh, that’s too bad.” The farmer said, “Good or bad, hard to say.”
Days later, the horse returned and brought seven wild horses with it. The neighbors came to say, “Oh, that is so good!” The farmer shrugged and said, “Good or bad, hard to say.”
The next day, the farmer’s son set out to break one of the horses, when he was thrown off and broke his leg. Once again, the neighbors appeared and said, “That is terrible luck!” The farmer just said, “Good or bad, hard to say.”
Soon afterwards, officers came to the farmer’s door looking for men to draft for the army. Seeing the farmer’s son and his leg they passed him by. Hearing about this the neighbors responded, “What great luck!” Once again, the farmer responded, “Good or bad, hard to say.”
Through the years, I have realized the truth in that statement in my own life and the lives of others. It echoed most recently in a TED talk by Heather Lanier addressing the challenges and blessings of a special-needs child. A situation did work out the way we wanted it to — good or bad, hard to say.
The point of the story is not about being optimistic or even the importance of waiting to see the outcome of a situation. Rather it is more about our tendency to judge events and categorize them as either good or bad. Realistically, life events are much more fluid—and by categorizing an event as either good or bad we are telling ourselves an incomplete story. And perhaps by categorizing it, in some strange way we feel we may have some control. I realize now that when I quickly classify a particular situation as good or bad, I close my ability to truly see the big picture. The better path is to release my grip and proceed with an open mind and even some curiosity.
Such is the place we find ourselves in now. 2020 has been quite a year.
“Thirty days hath September, April, June and November. All the rest have 31, except for 2020 which has a total of 5328 days!”
—Unknown
Worldwide political upheaval and mistrust, racial tension, the pandemic resulting in tens of millions of confirmed cas- es and millions of deaths, and natural disaster — they all have taken an enormous economic, physical, spiritual, and emotional toll on millions. I think it is safe to say that all of us have been affected in one way or another.
It is extremely difficult to look at this situation and say, “Good or bad, hard to say.” However, I think grasping that concept is the only way we can keep from dwelling on the incomplete story—in our world, in our nation, and in ourselves.
Paul wrote to the Romans,
All things work together for good to them that love the Lord, to them who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
The popular author, Ann Voskamp puts it this way,
“Everything’s going to be okay—because the Word Himself walks into our story and walks with us, until the story ends in His time, in His ways, for our ultimate good and for His ultimate glory.”
The words ring true. At this point the story is long and hard, however we must travel life’s journey while accepting its hardships and at the same time holding onto its hope.
Paul in writing to the Philippians about various difficulties he had experienced stated, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Ultimately it WILL BE a good story. We may not be OK now, but the story is not over. I am confident that all of us can emerge stronger, better people because of our current situation.
Several weeks ago, Scott approached me about compiling some observations that among other things would address spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional health in this strange new world where we find ourselves. As with any topic that I want to know more about, during the past few weeks I have done quite a bit of reading and studying on this subject and will try to mention particularly helpful resources in due course. Hopefully, these brief observations will provide some insight and direction and serve as a springboard for your own reflections.
Resources
Heather Lanier, “’Good’ and ‘Bad” are Incomplete Stories We Tell Ourselves”
Ann Voskamp, https://annvoskamp.com
Scriptures: Romans 8:28, Philippians 4:13, Habakkuk 3:17-19, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Food for Thought: Think back on events in your life that you thought were “bad” and see if they look different now. What current events might you look at through a different lens?