GG.
I read this several months ago and really it started to make a difference in my life at that point. I think it is helping me quite a bit right now. Here it is
A man walking across a field encounters a tiger. He fled, the tiger chasing after him. Coming to a cliff, he caught hold of a wild vine and swung himself over the edge. The tiger sniffed at him from above.Terrified, the man looked down to where, far below, another tiger had come, waiting to eat him. Two mice, one white and one black, little by little began to gnaw away at the vine. The man saw a luscious strawberry near him. Grasping the vine in one hand, he plucked the strawberry with the other. How sweet it tasted!
if you are asking what the . . .?, I sort of was too. The book I had explained it as such:
the tiger at the top of the cliff is the past.
the tiger at the bottom is the future (and to some extent death, which awaits us all).
the mice are time - day and night - which prevents him from just staying there forever.
The moral is to enjoy the moment. He could have hung there and worried about the past. He could have hung there and worried about the future. No way to stop either. Instead he enjoyed the moment.
This entire process will have highs and lows, regardless of the outcome. I hope Jill and I, and our kids, and those around us, will enjoy every moment and not worry about the future or past.
You are exactly right Greg! It only took me 37 years to realize this myself. Stay present and take in all that is around you right now. This will also allow self awareness to intensify, which is so healing. We can make powerful things happen when we are focused and intentional.
ReplyDeleteGreg, as I read all these posts for the second time (the first time I was too emotional to take it all in) I can't help but think of my mom and the role she played in supporting my dad. My mom was a super hero with love so deep and unconditional for my dad and I know from reading your words that you have this same beautiful, deep and unconditional love for Jill. I continue to pray and think about you all.
ReplyDeleteJill and Greg:I above is so beautiful and so true. What a wonderful focus you have in this difficult time. Please know Lizzie and I will help in anyway we can. We have signed up to be one of your prayer warriors. Susan
ReplyDeleteGreat message, Greg. You guys have been in my prayers this week and will continue to be. Thanks for the updates.
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