So I was on this workshop, partly assisting and partly attending it. A story that a keynote speaker shared was very good. I immediately thought of Granite City when he told this story.
Pontoon Beach, Madison, Venice, Mitchell...you're in this story too. This story..I don't think needs commentary or interpretation... I hope you enjoy it, as much as I enjoyed hearing it.....
Anyway, an old man in the town would wake up every morning.
He would do his daily chores and then he would prepare to go up and spend the rest of the day on the hill. He would take a mat upon which he would sit, a jug of wine, and a picnic lunch.
He would sit up on the hill that overlooks the town until sunset and would be thinking, sometimes praying, remembering..while watching the town below.
He would do this everyday.
One day a man walked along. He greeted the old man. He asked him: "Are you from this town?"
The old man said "Yes, I can see my home right over there", while pointing to the home.
The stranger said: "Well I have to go to this town for an appointment. "
He asked the old man: "What kind of people live in this town".
The old man replied: "What do you expect to see?"
The stranger replied: "Well I expect that the people are quite simple, I expect them to be rude and crude. I am glad my children didn't come with me"
The old man started to feel a tear coming on and sadly, he told the stranger: "Then indeed, that is what you will find, people who are rude and crude, and quite unsophisticated."
The stranger continued begrudgingly toward the town to conduct his business.
Some days later, the old man was still there on the hill going about his daily routine.
Another stranger passed by.
"Good afternoon sir..." "Good Afternoon", the old man replied.
"Are you from this town below?"
"Yes, I live right over there."
The stranger continued...
"Well I am visiting a friend who just moved there."
"Say, what is the town like? How are the people?"
The old man replied: "What do you imagine the town to be like?"
The stranger answered: "Well, I expect the people to be kind and caring. I expect I could make a few friends while in town."
The old man smiled and said: "Then indeed that is what you will find. People who are kind and caring...and yes, you should have no trouble finding a friend."
The stranger continued along, and indeed enjoyed his visit.
on August 5, 2011, 5:31 am