Fortune in disguise

An ancient Chinese saying posits the belief that “suffering a loss may be a fortune in disguise.” Related to this is a story about an old man and his son:

One day, the man’s horse went missing, but his neighbors were surprised when he told them, “Loss need not be a tragedy.”

After some time, the horse came back—with a stronger horse in tow! Surprisingly, however, the man said, “The appearance of the other animal could also bring ill fortune to us.” Soon, his son grew attached to the new horse and often rode on it. But, he was crippled after a riding accident. Again, however, the man said, “The accident could be a good thing.”

War broke out thereafter, and all the healthy young men in the village were recruited to join the army. Many of them were killed in battle, but the old man’s crippled son was spared—due to his physical disability! The man’s neighbors finally understood what the old man had meant all along:

A loss, an accident or death shouldn’t always be taken as a misfortune. We can neither predict the future nor see the bigger picture. Let us ask for the guidance and protection of the Supreme, who knows what’s good for us!

Let’s attain the humility to accept life’s difficult realities and pray for the courage to act. Do not let faulty judgment and bad choices breed anger and bitterness in your heart!

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