Things Aren’t Always What They Seem – Story and Meaning
Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead the angels were given a small space in the cold basement.
As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it. When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, “Things aren't always what they seem.”
The next night the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor, but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest.
When the sun came up the next morning the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field.
The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel: “How could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him”, she accused. “The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.”
“Things aren't always what they seem,” the older angel replied. “When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it.”
“Then last night as we slept in the farmer's bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead. Things aren't always what they seem.”
The author of this spiritual story is unknown and greatly appreciated. If you know who wrote this, or can provide a source that we can cite then please contact us and let us know!
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What Is the Spiritual Moral / Message of the “Things Aren't Always What They Seem” Story?
This story unveils the spiritual principle of divine order and trust in the cosmic unfolding of events. It reminds us that in the intricate tapestry of life, events might appear different from what they truly are. Despite our limited perspective, there exists an intricate dance of circumstances guided by a higher wisdom. Just as the older angel saw beyond the immediate circumstances, perceiving a deeper truth in both instances, it underscores the importance of trusting in the divine orchestration of events beyond our understanding.
Furthermore, the narrative echoes the spiritual lesson of hidden blessings and unforeseen grace. It challenges our perception of what seems fortunate or unfortunate. In both scenarios, what appeared as lack or loss contained hidden blessings. The older angel, attuned to a higher truth, recognized the obscured blessings within seemingly unfavorable circumstances. It beckons us to broaden our vision beyond the apparent and embrace the notion that even within challenges, unforeseen blessings and grace may dwell, waiting to be discovered.
Moreover, the story embodies the spiritual teaching of compassion and the ripple effect of kindness. It illustrates the power of selfless acts of kindness and compassion. The humble, hospitable farmer and his wife, despite their own scarcity, extended their generosity to the angels. In return, their compassionate act rippled through the intricate fabric of existence, inviting unforeseen protection and solace during their hour of need. It implores us to embody compassion and generosity, recognizing their profound impact in shaping the world around us.
Additionally, this narrative signifies the principle of justice and balance in the universe. It reveals the notion of karmic balance and justice that operates beyond the visible realm. The older angel's actions were not arbitrary but aligned with the universal balance. In addressing the farmer's loss, there was a sense of cosmic equilibrium, where an offering was made to offset the impending tragedy. It serves as a reminder that actions and events are interconnected, and there exists a cosmic balance that often transcends immediate understanding.
The story also emphasizes the spiritual principle of detachment and non-attachment. It highlights the importance of relinquishing attachments to outcomes and events. The older angel, devoid of personal desire or attachment, acted in alignment with a higher purpose, understanding that detachment allows for a clearer vision beyond the superficial layers of events. It encourages us to practice non-attachment, freeing ourselves from expectations and allowing events to unfold in their divine rhythm.
Furthermore, this narrative underscores the profound wisdom of divine timing and intervention. It unveils the intricate timing of events orchestrated by divine wisdom. The older angel's actions were not coincidental but part of a divine plan that unfolded at the right moment. It guides us to trust in the timing of events, acknowledging the presence of a higher intelligence orchestrating the ebb and flow of life's circumstances.
In essence, this story serves as a spiritual compass, guiding us to embrace trust, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the mysteries of life. It illuminates the layers of divine wisdom that operate beyond what meets the eye, inviting us to surrender to the hidden blessings, practice compassion, and trust in the orchestration of the universe.