Abbott Handerson Thayer Art
Things aren’t always what they seem
Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in
the home of a wealthy family.
The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay
in the mansion’s guest room. Instead the angels were
given a small space in the cold basement.
As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older
angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it.
When the younger angel asked why, the older angel
replied, “Things aren’t always what they seem.”
The next night the pair came to rest at the house
of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife.
After sharing what little food they had the couple
let the angels sleep in their bed where they could
have a good night’s rest. When the sun came up
the next morning the angels found the farmer and his
wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been
their sole income, lay dead in the field.
The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older
angel, “How could you have let this happen?
The first man had everything, yet you helped him.” – she accused.
“The second family had little but was willing to share
everything, and you let the cow die.”
“Things aren’t always what they seem.” – the older angel replied.
“When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed
there was gold stored in that hole in the wall.
Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling
to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn’t
find it. Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed,
the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow
instead. Things aren’t always what they seem.”
Sometimes this is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way they should. If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You might not know it until some time later. Think about this:
Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight; Just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in.
Should you find yourself stuck in traffic; don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.
Should you have a bad day at work; Think of the man who has been out of work for the last three months.
Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.
Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking "what is my purpose"; Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.
Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things could be worse. You could be them!
Author Unknown
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