Taoist Parable

When an old farmer’s stallion wins a prize at a country show, his neighbor calls round to congratulate him, but the old farmer says, “Who knows what is good and what is bad?” The next day some thieves come and steal his valuable animal. His neighbor comes to commiserate with him, but the old man replies, “Who knows what is good and what is bad?” A few days later the spirited stallion escapes from the thieves and joins a herd of wild mares, leading them back to the farm. The neighbor calls to share the farmer’s joy, but the farmer says, “Who knows what is good and what is bad?” The following day, while trying to break in one of the wild mares, the farmer’s son is thrown and fractures his leg. The neighbor calls to share the farmer’s sorrow, but the old man’s attitude remains the same as before. The following week the army passes by, forcibly conscripting soldiers for a war, but they do not take the farmer’s son because he cannot walk. The neighbor thinks to himself, “Who knows what is good and what is bad?”

This story intrigues me because I strongly agree and disagree with its message.

Point of agreement:

It makes me consider that my perspective of good and bad is not complete or accurate. It reminds me that the Lord knows what is good and what is bad, so I should ask Him. His ways are higher than mine. What I think is good just may be bad, and what I might think is bad just may be good. I can't see from his omnipotent viewpoint right now, so if I want to understand Him I need to ask Him and study what He has said.

Point of disagreement:

This way of life lacks living. It lacks a happiness that makes life meaningful. To me it feels right to rejoice in what makes me joyful. And also to mourn after what makes me mournful. To face life without feeling is not a life I want for myself or anyone. I guess that's part of why I'm not Taoist.

I'm obviously divided on this message. But there is one thought to cement in my mind: that the Lord makes beauty from ashes.