There once was an old farmer who had worked his land for many years. 

One day his prized horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit. “Such bad luck,” they said sympathetically.

“Maybe,” the farmer replied.

The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. “How wonderful,” the neighbors exclaimed.

“Maybe,” replied the old man.

The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors came again, “Such bad luck,” they said as they shook their heads. 

“Maybe,” answered the farmer.

The day after, the country entered into a war and military officials came to the village to draft all young men. Seeing that the farmer's son's leg was broken, he was spared from the draft. 

The neighbors congratulated  the farmer once again, “How wonderful,” they said and smiled.  

“Maybe,” said the farmer.

-A Zen Buddhist Fable

Be present for and curious about your experiences in life, for nothing is permanent and only time can tell the whole story...