Another Tony De Mello story:
Before the young man began his studies, he wanted assurance from the Master.
“Can you teach me the goal of human life?”
“I cannot,” replied the Master.
“Or at least its meaning?”
“I cannot.”
“Can you indicate to me the nature of death and of life beyond the grave?”
“I cannot.”
The young man walked away in scorn. The disciples were dismayed that their Master had been shown up in a poor light.
Said the Master soothingly, “Of what is it to comprehend life’s nature and life’s meaning if you have never tasted it? I’d rather you ate your pudding than speculated on it.”
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This reminds me of “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat” by John Ortberg.
Most of us are averse to risk. We don’t want to open a door if we we don’t know what is on the other side. For those who coach young children one of the most difficult things is to teach them to step out on the field, mat or court because they are afraid to fail.
One of my favorite quotes on taken that first courageous but frightening step is (methinks this has been posted on PFO before) …
“When in doubt, make a fool of yourself. There is a microscopically thin line between being brilliantly creative and acting like the most gigantic idiot on earth. So what the hell, leap.” – Cynthia Heime
Have a fun and daring weekend everyone…
What a timely quote this is for me! I am most adept at unconcious fear avoidance. If only once we turned of age, it turned off. For more than a few of us, that door can be so very heavy. A good teacher knows how to open it a wee crack so the rest of us can see an ever so tiny bit of light on the other side. Otherwise, most of us would continue to fear to peak through, lest a monster lurk behind.
Tim,
You are so right about most of us being risk averse. I think it has something to do with age. When I was younger, I’d take enormous risks almost without thinking about them. Nowadays I’m much more cautious. Wisdom or old age or a mixture of both?
Paul
Great story! Chocolate pudding works best.
Mike,
If we’re getting into pudding, I’d have to say peach cobbler for me.
Paul
Oh dear. I assume that to understand sin, we clearly have to engage in a bit of that too then? Not that I find that too troublesome most of the time. Double chocolate pudding for me then
Have a great weekend one and all.
Oh Happy Fault!!!
Simon,
As Emma says so pithily – Felix Culpa!
Paul
This reminds me of the question: Is there life before death?
Claire,
So good to hear from you again!
Paul
Having been “eating my pudding” all day with nary a moment to breathe, let along speculate, it’s nice to be reminded that you need to live, to have a life to examine!
One more lecture to go…I am so out of academic “shape”!
Michelle,
I bet your students don’t think you’re out of academic shape!
Paul
This story reminds me of this quote:
You cannot transmit wisdom and insight to another person. The seed is already there. A good teacher touches the seed, allowing it to wake up, to sprout, and to grow.
~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Fruitful weekend to one and all!
Dolly,
I wish I could believe that the seeds of wisdom are already planted within us. I sure don’t act as if they were a lot of the time.
Paul
Strange word from you, Paul. But does your (or our) action invalidate the presence of the seed?
Jesus came so that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. I am pretty sure “life,” in this sentence, can be read to mean “dessert.”
Happy weekend, everyone!
Denise,
Ha! You are a wise woman.
Paul
The disciple hasn’t been living.
Oh yes – eat that pudding, eat it all up with great joy!