Building Treasures

This is interesting. Please enjoy.

 

The Pig and the Cow

 

“Why is it,” said the rich man to his minister, “that people call me stingy

when everyone knows that when I die I'm leaving everything to the church?”

 

“Let me tell you a fable about the pig and the cow,” said the minister.

The pig was unpopular while the cow was beloved. This puzzled the pig.

“‘People speak warmly of your gentle nature and your sorrowful eyes,'

the pig said to the cow. 'They think you're generous because each day

you give them milk and cream. But what about me? I give them

everything I have. I give bacon and ham. I provide bristles for brushes.

They even pickle my feet! Yet not one likes me. Why is that?’”

 

“Do you know what the cow answered?” said the minister.

The cow said, “Perhaps it is because I give while I'm still living.”

 

-----

 

Helping Others Win

 

A few years ago, at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants,

all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line

for the 100-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash,

but with a relish to run the race to the finish and win. All, that is, except one little boy

who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry.

 

The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and looked back.

Then they all turned around and went back… every one of them.

One girl with Down's Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said,

“This will make it better.” Then all nine linked arms and walked together

to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on

for several minutes.

 

People who were there are still telling the story. Why? Because deep down

we know this one thing: What matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves.

What matters in this life is helping others win, even if it means slowing down

and changing our course.