I heard a story one time about a man who had a dream that he went to Hell. In this dream, the people in Hell were at a table about to eat. Long boards were taped to their arms, with forks tied to the end. They were welcome to eat all they could, but with the boards strapped on, they weren’t able to bend their arms and get the fork to their mouth. The people were bickering, angry, frustrated and most of all – hungry!
Then, still in his dream, the man went to Heaven. He found similar people, sitting at a similar table. The diners also had boards strapped to their arms. But these people had worked out a solution. Instead of trying in vain to feed themselves, they realized that they were better served by feeding their partner across the table, and allowing their partner to feed them in return. By removing their selfishness, they were able to focus on the needs of their partner, and in return get fed all they could eat.
Our lives aren’t any different. If you find yourself in a relationship that is “me first” – whether it’s you or your partner with that attitude – you are heading for trouble and may be in a living hell.
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Mark
I really liked the analogy, and the concept of work as a team, together and for each other. It has to be remembered that a relationship is a balance and if one part of the team gives, the other part has to reciprocate to keep the balance and to keep the good positive feeling.
ReplyDeleteIf in your analogy one person feeds their person and doesn’t get fed back in the end the one who is feeding (giving to the relationship) gets weak and discouraged and will be unable to give anymore, which in turn affects the partner getting fed.
There is only so much you can give without getting something back.
It is all about balance consideration and thought for others.
Christine