Springhill Cemetery, Gallatin Pike, Madison
Mt. Olivet, Lebanon Pike, Nashville
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
In the Eye of the Beholder
I am sometimes reminded of this old folk tale when I read comments on Facebook, especially those on neighborhood/community pages.
The Two Travelers and the Farmer
A traveler came upon an old farmer hoeing in his field beside the road. Eager
to rest his feet, the wanderer hailed the countryman, who seemed happy enough
to straighten his back and talk for a moment. “What sort of people live in the
next town?” asked the stranger.
“What were the people like where
you’ve come from?” replied the farmer, answering the question with another
question.
“They were a bad lot. Troublemakers
all, and lazy too. The most selfish people in the world, and not a one of them
to be trusted. I’m happy to be leaving the scoundrels.”
“Is that so?” replied the old
farmer. “Well, I’m afraid that you’ll find the same sort in the next town.
Disappointed, the traveler trudged
on his way, and the farmer returned to his work.
Some time later another stranger,
coming from the same direction, hailed the farmer, and they stopped to talk.
“What sort of people live in the next town?” he asked.
“What were the people like where
you’ve come from?” replied the farmer once again.
“They were the best people in the
world. Hard working, honest, and friendly. I’m sorry to be leaving them.”
“Fear not,” said the farmer. “You’ll
find the same sort in the next town.”
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