What others think.
A tale tells of a wise man whose son was ashamed to leave the house, because he thought other people would think him ugly. The father told him that he shouldn't worry so much what other people thought, and to follow his own mind and heart. To make the point, the father asked his son to join him on his trips to the market over the next few days.
On the first day, the father rode the donkey, and the child walked alongside. As they traveled they could hear passersby criticizing the father for making a small child walk in the heat of the day.
On the second day, the child rode the donkey, while the father walked alongside him. This time people commented about how disrespectful the child was for making an old man walk while he rode in comfort.
On the third day they entered the market, both walking alongside the donkey. They heard the people saying how stupid they were: "Do they not know that donkeys are for riding?"
The following day, both father and son rode on the donkey, and people expressed their indignation about how cruel they were to burden the animal in such a way.
On the fifth day they carried the donkey on their backs. Everyone in the market laughed and ridiculed them.
The wise man then turned to his son and said, "You see, regardless of what you do, there will always be people who will disapprove. Therefore, don't worry about others' opinions, do what you think is just and right for you."
The Fire
A couple, whom we shall call John and Mary, had a nice home and two lovely children, a boy and a girl.
John had a good job and had just been asked to go on a business trip to another city and would be gone for several days. It was decided that Mary needed an outing and would go along too. They hired a reliable woman to care for the children and made the trip, returning home a little earlier than they had planned.
As they drove into their home town feeling glad to be back, they noticed smoke, and they went off their usual route to see what it was. They found a home in flames. Mary said, "Oh well it isn't our fire, let's go home."
But John drove closer and exclaimed, "That home belongs to Fred Jones who works at the plant. He wouldn't be off work yet, maybe there is something we could do." "It has nothing to do with us."
Protested Mary. "You have your good clothes on lets not get any closer."
But John drove up and stopped and they were both horror stricken to see the whole house in flames. A woman on the lawn was in hysterics screaming, "The children! Get the children!" John grabbed her by the shoulder saying, "Get a hold of yourself and tell us where the children are!" "In the basement," sobbed the woman, "down the hall and to the left."
In spite of Mary's protests John grabbed the water hose and soaked his clothes, put his wet handkerchief on his head and bolted for the basement which was full of smoke and scorching heat. He found the door and grabbed two children, holding one under each arm like the football player he was. As he left he could hear some more whimpering. He delivered the two badly frightened and nearly suffocated children into waiting arms and filled his lungs with fresh air and started back asking how many more children were down there. They told him two more and Mary grabbed his arm and screamed, "John! Don't go back! It's suicide! That house will cave in any second!"
But he shook her off and went back by feeling his way down the smoke filled hallway and into the room. It seemed an eternity before he found both children and started back. They were all three coughing and he stooped low to get what available air he could. As he stumbled up the endless steps the thought went through his mind that there was something strangely familiar about the little bodies clinging to him, and at last when they came out into the sunlight and fresh air, he found that he had just rescued his own children. The baby-sitter had left them at this home while she did some shopping.
It's up to you!
One song can spark a moment.
One flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest.
One bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship.
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea.
One word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation.
One sunbeam lights a room.
One candle wipes out darkness.
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey.
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits.
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom.
One heart can know what's true.
One life can make the difference.
You see, It's Up To You!
Take the good you learn and pass it on.
