A poor farmer and his son were working on their farm when their only horse, a fine stallion, broke loose and ran away. Upon hearing this news their neighbors offered condolences and exclaimed, "How awful that your only horse has run away!"



"Perhaps," the wise old farmer replied.

The next day the horse returned to the farm, accompanied by a mare. Upon hearing the news the neighbors rejoiced, "How wonderful for you!"

"Perhaps," the farmer replied.

Later the son was attempting to ride the wild mare when he was thrown and broke his leg. Upon hearing this, the neighbors exclaimed, "What terrible news that your son broke his leg!"

Again the old farmer replied simply, "Perhaps."

The next day the army rode through the small town and drafted all of the young men, taking them away to war. Only the farmer's son was spared because of his broken leg.

This tale, attributed to the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, reminds me quite simply that I do not know how the events of today will affect my future. If you are like me, you can recall dozens, maybe hundreds of synchronous events and outcomes that brought you to where you are today.

For example, in late 1999 I was hand picked for an excellent job and a promotion. Then within a month I learned that my husband at the time wanted a divorce. I decided to forgo the great job and instead relocate and find work nearer to my family in Virginia.

After a long and often frustrating job hunt I gave what I thought was a fabulous audition and interview for a dream job near my family. I was crushed when I learned I had not been selected.

Several long months passed and I continued to apply for any job that would get me out of Dodge! After a year my divorce was finalized; I was taking better and better care of myself, and life began to brighten.

In 2001 I interviewed for a position as a training specialist requiring some skills that I honestly felt were beyond my expertise. I remember crying all the way home from the interview, I felt it went so badly. My fears proved unfounded when I was hired and moved to within an hour of my family. I bought a home, met my current husband, and learned many of the skills that allowed me to create my own successful business.

Now don't get me wrong; I still lose track of how perfectly my life is orchestrated! When my hot water heater died last Friday, I wanted the repairman there that day, not 10 days later as the repair company dictated. The glorious thing is, within an hour I was having fun trying to guess why things were proceeding as they were.

Was I supposed to linger the next morning, filling the tub with hot water from the stove, just long enough to run into the gas repairman? Did that conversation save a major gas repair? Did the plumber-friend who took a quick look at the heater need the $40 I pressed into his hand?

I grouse, sometimes loudly! Fortunately I also accept that, with future hindsight, I will understand. Perhaps!