Wisdom from a Friend

Posted on 17. Jan, 2008 by Karen in Inspiration

This is from friend and Midlife’s a Trip reader, Madeleine. She made the following as a comment to yesterday’s post but there is such a great story here, I don’t want it to be missed by those who may not review the comments. For some reason, this story was really what I needed to make my day. Thank you Madeleine for sharing this:

While the day is clearly not over, I already had something to worry about, which I have now relinquished. Something else may be on the horizon. Today I had a wonderful encounter with an 89-year-old (soon to be 90) gentleman who works in my building. He always brings his special brand of philosophy when he comes to visit. Today was no exception. He brought this thoughtful story:

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, “My son, the battle is between two forces inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humanity, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, forgiveness and faith.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: “Which wins?” The old Cherokee simply replied: “The one you feed.”

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5 Responses to “Wisdom from a Friend”

Madeleine Phillips

18. Jan, 2008

Thank you, Karen! That was incredibly generous of you to use your column to send that wonderful message to your readership!

Love,

Madeleine
Karen

21. Jan, 2008

I hope others enjoyed it as much as I did.
Sylvie Carter

25. Jan, 2008

What a cool story….and again so true. I find the stories that speak from a centre of truth are always the most powerful!
Robert Davis

26. Jan, 2008

Speaking of friend, you have inspired me greatly today. I look forward to this midlife thing that we must all journey through. I was visiting a friend today that is in hospice, she was so strong of a force in my life when I was 24, she guided me through some tough times. Today, I prayed for her and she found enough strength to stand up from her chair which she had not for months, to show me once again, that strength is in the trying … be blessed.
Karen

28. Jan, 2008

Thanks Robert for stopping by for a “visit”. It was so good to hear again from someone who has inspired me in the past. This thing about having friends who are ill is a true crisis of midlife. It’s good you were able to be there for her. Both of you are in my prayers.