Wednesday, 16 March 2011
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The Two Goats
I heard this little story today on BBN Radio. The announcer credited Martin Luther as being the author, but I was unable to substantiate that. Well, here is the story...author, unverified:
Two goats were making their way along a narrow road, high up along the face of a steep cliff. Far below, was a deep mountain lake. The problem was that the goats were traveling in opposite directions and met face to face on the narrow road. The road was too narrow for either of them to attempt to turn around. To begin backing up for either goat would be far too dangerous. Of course the road was also too narrow for them to pass safely.
Had these goats been humans, they would probably have been demanding that the other give way - no matter the cost. When the demanding had failed, they then would have begun head-butting each other until both would have toppled from the road down, down into the lake. What were they to do?
How the problem was solved satisfactorily was that one goat laid down in the road perfectly still. The goat still standing then carefully walked OVER the other, and each was able to go on his own way safely. If not for the first goat being willing to lie down and be trod upon, the outcome would have a disaster.
If Jesus had not willingly given Himself for us....
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Comments (12)
nice job
@dmcx2010@xanga - Thank you, my brother!
Hmm, I admit, I'm the goat that does not want to be trod upon. The goat that thinks if I allow myself to be trod upon the outcome will still not be good. I guess the other goat feels the same way... although I would not be trodding upon him in actuality the way he would be trodding on me if I were to yield again. That has been my dilemma. Does parent yield to child, or child yield to parent? How does a parent help(or get) their child to grow? Especially when the child is a young adult child. In my case I think the child needs to learn to yield in order to grow. Of course the parent in me doesn't want the child to fall off the cliff in order to learn. How do you save the child?
I know, I know... pray, and then accept whatever God allows to happen.
So hard, so hard... and so you ask yourself would it be best to be the goat that yields?
@JstNotherDay@xanga - Well, how long the standoff has to go on until one or the other realizes that it's got to be done and so yields first is the question. If you get tired enough of standing....
@quest4god - Well gee... we know that the younger goat can outlast the old goat, don't we? lol
I think that is what this young goat counts on. I feel like it's time to stop that pattern. I may have to stand until I die.
@JstNotherDay@xanga - I am a parent of nine, all of whom are grown (one deceased), and all of whom have been as different from one another as can be. Still, I don't consider myself to be an expert or even to have learned from all my mistakes. All parents make mistakes. One thing that I do remember is how differently I saw things when I was that young person from how I see the same things today.
Maybe this goat story doesn't fit well as an analogy to teaching a young adult. But maybe it could point out the futility in harping at our child. Maybe to stop that approach and to allow the child to learn his way....the hard way would seem to be "lying down to be walked over." But even if we give our very lives in order to save the child from danger it doesn't mean that we have quit believing in what we were trying to teach. It just means that we see the wisdom in ceasing to try to force the child to acquiesce. Of course if the child is a minor, then our responsibility is greater. As I said, I'm no expert.
I have found that after a while the child will say "I know, I know (what you're going to say)." It would be wonderful if they TRULY KNEW so I wouldn't ever have to say it again.
@quest4god - Thanks for another laugh... that last sentence. Talking to you is lightening me up.
You made me reflect on my post of a few days ago... Sheep or goat?
goat - stubborn
Sheep - hmm... are they humble and yielding or can they be stubborn too?
I like to think I am one of God's flock, but I ask myself...
am I sheep or goat, which way will I be sent when it comes time for Him to separate us...
Awesome story!!!
This is a great story!
@stephensmustang@xanga - Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
@LoBornlytesThoughtPalace@xanga - Thank you!