Points to Ponder: We struggle to fill our lives with earnings of knowledge, hoping it will retain it all, but it leaks due to the many flaws that we commit daily.
Reflection:
One of my bosses had a special skill. Whenever anyone in the organization started criticizing other people, other organizations or unleashed superiority complex, he would gently nudge the conversation and make us realize that we too had enough problems of our own and a lot of things to focus on. Also in my last job, we had a group of employees who wouldn’t hesitate to point out if my words and actions showed gaps. Both those experiences been humbling and they have helped in the journey of continuous improvement.
Today I received the following story from a reader* that reminded me of those people and good to reflect on it for the holidays.
Story Line:
Leaking Bucket
You're very kind to outsiders/people in power and speak with them gently, but with your own family/employees you're inconsiderate and rude. (A leaking bucket)
You honor and treat your guests well but when they leave, you gossip about them and talk about their flaws. (A leaking bucket)
You try to read as many religious books, listen to sermons, participate in social services but you judge, criticize, hate, insult and curse daily. (A leaking bucket)
You frequently advice/preach others, but hardly practice it yourself. (A leaking bucket)
You slander people with different believes, culture, choices and Faith out of hatred when their views do not align with yours. (A leaking bucket)
You look down on others and feel more superior to them; judging their level of knowledge and socials status based on your perceptions, incomplete facts & external appearances. (A leaking bucket)
You wake up early morning trying to do Prayers but your mind is elsewhere and before you know it, you're done with it, without being mindful of it. (A leaking bucket)
We struggle to fill our "lives"(the bucket) with "earnings" of knowledge (the water), hoping it will retain it all, but it leaks due to the many flaws (the holes) that we commit daily.*
An excellent reminder for all including MYSELF to try and mend these holes up so we may progress further through this inevitable curriculum of life.
*story sent by a reader in India with a humble request not to use his name because he read this somewhere and does not know the original source.