Meeting our expectations. - Nigel Fawcett's Blog

A monk was working in his garden when there approached a weary traveller, slumped in the saddle of a plodding horse. The monk bade him good day, and asked if there was anything he could give him. The traveller demanded a glass of water. As he drank he said, ‘Tell me priest, where is the next village?’<br>‘Half a day’s journey down the valley,’ said the monk.<br>‘Tell me, what are the people like there?’<br>‘What were the people like in the village you’ve come from?’<br>‘They were dishonest, untrusting and untrustworthy, the most miserable bunch of people. I am glad to be rid of them.’<br>‘I’m sorry to tell you,’ said the monk, ‘but I think you’ll find the people in the next village much the same.’<br>The next week the monk was working in his garden when he saw another traveller coming down from the hills, tired dusty but upright in the saddle of his strong horse. The monk bade him good day and asked if there was anything he could do for him.<br>‘A glass of water would refresh me, and perhaps a little for the horse.’<br>As they drank he asked, ‘Tell me father, where is the next village?’<br>‘Half a day’s journey down the valley.’<br>‘And the people there, father, what are they like?’<br>‘First, tell me, what were they like in the village you have left?’<br>‘Ah, they were the most wonderful people. I had only intended to spend a day or two there, but I have spent many months in their kind and hospitable company. I have made many friends there whom I am sad to leave.’<br>‘Do not be too sad,’ said the monk, ‘I think you will find the people in the next village much the same.’<br><br><b>To what extent do we only ever really experience what we expect?</b><br>

Derrick Burton Date: 1/1/2009 10:31:00 AM Speechless, this was a great story to give much thought. Full of wisdom, learned alot from it. Login to Reply

Danielle White Date: 12/31/2008 1:03:00 PM What if we're going through life blindly, without expectations? :-P Login to Reply

Debbie Guzzi Date: 12/30/2008 7:07:00 PM You seem to live a magical life Nigel. Keep doing what you do so well! Light & Love Debbie Guzzi Login to Reply

Debbie Guzzi Date: 12/28/2008 1:19:00 PM To a TOO large extent so why not expect beauty and wonder? aye?Light & Love Debbie Guzzi Login to Reply

Sharon Winter Date: 12/28/2008 11:30:00 AM It really depends on how we view the world I suppose. You know, people will believe what they want to believe and if you look for and trust in the good of people, you will always find it. Sometimes if you believe in the good of someone and let them know, you can change them forever, for perhaps you see something they have not. There will always be disappointments, but if we are positive, hopefully they will be few and far between. Wonderful blog Nigel. Love, Shar Login to Reply

Carrie Richards Date: 12/27/2008 5:53:00 PM So much insight in this story, Nigel.....a perfect story to begin a new year. If everyone would just begin 2009 with a positive attitude, I do believe better things will more likely come about, than if negativity rules one's life. We create our own havoc, or our own peace. Good thought provoking blog! ~ Love, Carrie Login to Reply

Vince Suzadail Jr. Date: 12/27/2008 4:47:00 PM You get what you are looking for. If we spend our days looking for evil we will find it and if we spend them looking for good we will find it. Your story rings true. Vince Login to Reply

Michael Jordan Date: 12/27/2008 1:23:00 PM Nigel this is a wonderful Blog my friend - I have learned in life if we walk with hate - hate will walk with us - If we walk with love - Love will find us - God Bless you my friend, MJ Login to Reply