Count Down

[H2O Man]

19. Thank you, my Friend!

Years ago, my friend Rubin Carter taught me a story about Moses. I’m sure that I’ll get a few details wrong, but I’ll try:


When the king of Egypt learned that the prophet Moses was traveling through his territory, he tasked two trusted aides -- I think one was a social worker, the other an artist -- to go and find him. He promised to reward the one who brought back the most detailed information on Mose, and to punish the other.

Upon their return, they reported on Moses’ character. The social worker said that Moses was angry, hostile, suspicious, mean, and potentially violent. The artist painted a picture of a serene, gentle, kind man. The king was furious -- for these described two different men! Who should he reward, he asked? And who should he punish?

Suddenly, Moses stepped forward, and said, “You must reward both the social worker, and the artist, for they are both accurate. For I was, and can be, angry, hostile, suspicious, mean, and violent. Too often, these have been my first nature. Yet, with constant attention, my second nature is to be serene, gentle, and kind.”


I’ve had a number of family crises that have been occupying a lot of my time and energy. But I’m good, I think. Old, tired, and sore! (grin) But I’m good.

In dealing with these issues, I’ve needed to be at my best. And that has included putting aside any and all anger that I risked feeling against one person, for the good of yet another person. And that can be a challenge …..especially in one case, that involves my youngest daughter. The “old me” tries to strike up a conversation with me, and I don’t want to hear him right now. My daughter’s well-being always comes before my allowing myself to be furious.

Funny thing: I was able to resolve a very difficult problem. In fact, I think it helps me in better dealing with issues, than walking around angry.