14 Comments

This is a parable that Ram Dass often quoted. No matter where it originated, it is a real gem and something I refer to frequently.

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Since you had equestrian about it 😉

There are many versions, as you will see if you Google “Zen story farmer horse” but it looks like Wikipedia has it tracked back to the source

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_old_man_lost_his_horse

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I am new here. This is wonderful! Glad to find your 'Stack.

I was in the Peace Corps in Togo, West Africa, after college. We communicated in French in my village.

The answer to the greeting,

"How is it going?" was "I am content." Huh. I realized immediately what Paul was talking about in the passage that you cite. I also realized that the US Declaration of Independence may talk about the pursuit of happiness; but contentment is probably a better goal.

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I think America’s Founders had a classical, not modern idea of happiness, one of being fulfilled, living out our highest and best selves.

Harry Jaffa:

“[George] Washington spoke of ‘an indissoluble union of virtue and happiness…Aristotle couldn’t have put it any better. And when Washington said that, he was telling us that ‘the pursuit of happiness’ in the Declaration of Independence didn’t mean radical individualism. It meant the pursuit of virtue.”

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Thanks Jeff. Thanks for your feedback. Welcome aboard.

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Good post, sir.

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Me. no t big,nor small on biblical prophecy but will follow back, thanks.

Right is right, truth is truth, thanks!

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That was some good stuff! Walking through this valley with death hanging over me and knowing that every step of my journey he is with me sure makes it an easier journey. I used to ignore him and forget he's there and those parts of it were so much more difficult. I believe I still haven't leaned on him enough, but will learn to in time.

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God speed on your journey, my friend.

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great post. and, as an owner of horses...yeah...you never know good or bad..;). Truly you never know what God is telling (or told you) until years later....always keep the ears and heart open.

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Thanks Thomas.

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Thank you for today’s post, Gary! The story about the lost horse was especially valuable.

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Excellent post today Gary. I feel like I had been to church!!!

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Thanks, Cynthia.

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