No matter how long we live, we soon find out that our wanting to be successful is predicated on help from others. Like the flip sides of the same coin, nature and nurture seemed to play an equal part. Plus, if we’re not happy being selfish, we can always ask how we can help.
Life’s a choice between love and fear… no matter what road we travel. The children’s fable – The Three Little Pigs – demonstrates an old story, in a brave new world.
Once upon a time, there were three business investors: Mr. A, Mr. B and Mr. C.
Mr. A was part of exploiting the world’s resources for his mining bosses – giving almost nothing back to nature, or the world’s peoples who owned them.
It wasn’t that he didn’t care. It was considered justified because of the relentless need for dwindling resources.
And, it wasn’t that Mr. A lacked depth of understanding, within himself. But, over time, the birds of deceitfulness caused by sublime riches came calling… snatching away any seeds of goodness he might have sown.
Does working for a piggish operation, make you piggish, as well?
Mr. B
Farmers are motivated to run their farms in the most efficient and sustainable way possible – to succeed as a business, and because it’s the right thing to do.
In fact, being a 4-H Agri member is to pledge their head, heart, hands and health to positively impact their club, community, country, and the world.
Growing up in a rural area, Mr. B understood. However, he was one of those who refused to give new ways a try – even if it was a win/win for everybody. Yet, although his God-given seeds of life were planted in good ground, they were soon choked out by his weeds of worry and doubt. Sad. He could have helped so many more.
So, taking more than he gave, means both Mr. A and Mr. B had a lot in common: living a sticks and stones existence that was unnecessarily vulnerable.
Mr. C, however, practiced responsible economic and personal growth. He could have acted “piggish”; but, following his mother’s advice, he chose not to.
For example, with his construction business, he built energy efficient homes at fair prices that would last. Words like ‘strategic planner’, ‘philanthropic’, ‘hard worker’ and ‘trustworthiness’, were used to describe him. And, as word got out, his business grew abundantly
“He must have been a gardener that cared a lot
Who weeded out the tears and grew a good crop”
Empty Garden (Hey, Hey Johnny) by Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Watch on YouTube
But in time – like all economic cycles – inflation made its presence known.
But, Mr. C’s housing development did not completely collapse as did the businesses of Mr. A and Mr. B. because of his reputation for quality and reasonable prices, people invested whatever money they had into Mr. C’s properties.
But wait… there’s more!
Mr. C, being a smart business person, also helped keep the economic recession at bay for other businesses, too. They all worked together during these tough times and profited – making wolf soup out of their losses – proving that by helping others you help yourself… just like his mother told him.
It was said of him that, not only did he understand the importance of good soil, but he had his seeds of gratitude growing within his heart, which he shared with others. The real deal!
“And we are so amazed, we’re crippled and we’re dazed
A gardener like that one no one can replace”
And, naturally, they lived happy ever after.
That’s the way I figure it. – FP
Photo Credit
Image by Christel from Pixabay
First published at fredparry.ca
Guest Author Bio
Fred Parry
Fred Parry lives in Southern Ontario. He is a lover of people and a collector of stories, music, wisdom, and grandchildren. His raison d’etre? “I’m one of those people who believe that if my work serves the common good, it will last; if not, it will die with me. I still believe that’s true.” Fred spent ten years as a columnist for Metroland Media Group – a division of the publishing conglomerate Torstar Corporation.
His book, ‘The Music In Me’ (2013) Friesen Press is also available via Indigo / Chapters.
Blog / Website: www.fredparry.ca
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