Stories About Missing the Mark: Wishes
Welcome
Heart Tales is a monthly newsletter for people on an adventure toward wholeness. It is published by Jim Cyr, storyteller, author, and crisis intervention specialist.
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Introduction
We continue with our series of stories about “missing the mark” and “hitting the mark.” We said that “the mark” for many of us is being happy, healthy, secure, and productive in life. Today’s story gives an example of how we miss the mark when we compare oursleves to others.
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Wishes
There is a story about two men, one who coveted (to desire wrongfully, inordinately, or without due regard for the rights of others) and one who envied.
The one who coveted was always complaining, “I see how bitter is the work of the Creator. He makes it so that the deserving do not obtain their merit. Why am I poor, while that man, my enemy and neighbor is so rich?”
The one who envied implored, “Eternal One, do not listen to his words and do not allow him to become a prince among your people. Let me die if he becomes rich.”
Once an angel appeared to the two men in the desert and called them, saying, ” Your prayers and lamentations have been heard. I have come to grant your wishes, and this is what I offer you: you may ask what your hearts desire, and it will be granted to the other, twofold. This is our accord, and it will not be violated.”
The covetous one, dreaming of a twofold wish, said to his neighbor, “You ask first.”
The envious one responded, “How can I ask for anything, if at the end you will emerge stronger and richer than I?”
They began to argue until the envious man exclaimed, “God, do unto Your servant the reverse of Your goodness! Blind me in one eye and my enemy in two. Deaden one of my hands and double the measure for my enemy.”
Thus it was done.
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Thought to Ponder
Am I missing the mark by comparing myself to others?
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Your Comments Welcome
Post your comments in the comment box or email them to me at jim@hearttales.net
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Heart Tales News
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About Jim & Heart Tales
The true spirit of my work is to lead people on a life-changing adventure toward wholeness by connecting their hearts to their true selves, to others, and to God, through stories of healing, wisdom, and faith. My life-changing adventure toward wholeness includes performances of folk and fairy tales, sacred stories, and personal stories, and workshops on how to tell stories in therapeutic settings.
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