A Fable from Franklin....

I am currently reading an excellent and lengthy biography of Benjamin Franklin entitled "The First American." One thing I love is that the author consistently uses Franklin's own words throughout the narrative, helping you feel you are truly getting to know Franklin himself. While I have read much that I could post here for it's truthfulness and universal applicability, I want to share one fable I especially loved that illustrates the futility of trying to please everyone (something too many people are loathe to do) and simply reiterates a fact I believe in and that is be yourself in a way that allows you to be content with your standing before God. If you can stand before the Great Judge with peace of mind, don't worry what anyone else has to say about you.

A certain well-meaning man and his son were traveling towards a market town, with an ass which they had to sell. The road was bad, and the old man therefore rode, but the son went afoot. The first passenger they met asked the father if he was not ashamed to ride by himself and suffer the poor lad to wade along through the mire; this induced him to take up his son behind him. He had not traveled far when he met others, who said they were two unmerciful lubbers to get both on the back of that poor ass, in such a deep road. Upon this the old man gets off and let his son ride alone. The next they met called the lad a graceless, rascally young jacka-napes to ride in that manner through the dirt while his aged father trudged along on foot; and they said the old man was a fool for suffering it. He then bid his son come down and walk with him, and they traveled on leading the ass by the halter; till they met another company, who called them a couple of senseless blockheads for going both on foot in such a dirty way when they had an empty ass with them, which they might ride upon. The old man could bear no longer. My son, he said, it grieves me much that we cannot please all these people. Let us throw the ass over the next bridge, and be no farther troubled with him.

One World, One Dream

Was anyone else blown away by the sheer perfection of the Olympic's opening ceremonies? The coordination of thousands of performers...walking in the right places, forming symmetrical lines and perfect shapes....all with no markings on the ground?!! China sure put on a great show....one that had us totally enthralled (at least until the drudgery of the Parade of Nations). Even Tommy was amazed! All the color and movement and sounds were enough to keep him entertained. I love these events every two years....essentially because they represent a global celebration of the human spirit, of doing one's best, and coming together despite differences to strive for a single goal that we all share--to be the best we can be. Despite China's turbulent 20th century, they were an amazing nation for several centuries before that. Having focused my studies on Modern 20th Century Chinese history, I know of some atrocities their leaders (namely Mao Zedong) have committed resulting in the deaths of over 50 million of his own people. But the Olympics are about coming together for an all too brief period of unity. And in doing this, one doesn't have to forgive the past and especially not forget it. Hosting the Olympics doesn't wipe away a nation's past blemishes, so people shouldn't act like the world is condoning China's mistakes simply because we do condone their sincere efforts to host a successful Olympic games. China has a long way to go.....and sadly I feel she will never recapture her diminished place of glory and honor among the elite nations of the world. But here's to now, to coming together, striving for a goal of one's best, and hoping for U.S. gold in Beijing!