Can’t Please Everyone… a fable that’s been passed down
An old fable that has been passed down for generations. It goes this way:
An elderly man was traveling with a boy and a donkey. As they walked through a village, the man was leading the donkey and the boy was walking behind.The townspeople said the old man was a fool for not riding, so to please them he climbed up on the animal’s back.
When they came to the next village, the people said the old man was cruel to let the child walk while he enjoyed the ride. So, to please them, he got off and set the boy on the animal’s back and continued on his way.
In the third village, people accused the child of being lazy for making the old man walk, and the suggestion was made that they both ride. So the man climbed on and they set off again.
In the fourth village, the townspeople were indignant at the cruelty to the donkey because he was made to carry two people.
Even if we could please everyone, we shouldn’t.
You can’t please everyone! And it can be very frustrating to even try to do so, because it’s physically impossible.
The truth of the matter is, even if we could please everyone, we shouldn’t.
In fact, trying to please others can distract from the One we should be pleasing, if we’re not careful.
Found lately that everyone isn’t pleased with your decisions?Don’t lose any sleep over it, as long as you’re seeking to please the only ONE that really matters!
Author: Alan Smith
Quote:
“It is not the straining for great things that is most effective; it is the doing
of the little things, the common duties, a little better and better.”
~Elizabeth Stuart Phelps 1844-1911, Writer