Monday, May 22, 2017

The Man with an Umbrella: A Modern Parable



The Man with an Umbrella: A Modern Parable

It was a beautiful sunny day. An older man was out walking when he happened upon an unfamiliar path and decided to explore.

The path eventually leads him to a gorgeous open field where two things grab his attention. First, he sees someone standing alone in the field, a younger man whose physical build and facial features are like his own. The younger man could pass as the older man’s son, or perhaps even the older man himself minus a few decades.

The second thing that catches his attention is the umbrella the younger man is holding open and above his head.

"Hello there," the older man calls out. 

Both men smile and wave in a polite manner. The older man joins the younger in the field. 

"That is a nice umbrella you have. What is it for?"

The young man's voice is friendly when he answers, "My umbrella? It keeps me dry from the rain, of course."

The old man nods while remaining confused.

The younger man continues, "You see, the Farmer's Almanac says it will be raining all day today, and I do not wish to get wet. Here, come join me under my umbrella. There is space for you, too."

The older man looks up at the clear cloudless sky. "It is not raining," he says, simply.

Upon hearing this, the young man's face changes, indicating the conversation has suddenly taken an unpleasant turn. "You are wrong," the young man declares.  "The Farmer's Almanac is quite clear on this matter."

The older man takes a breath. He hears the wind blowing through the leaves of the trees and over the tall grass. He hears the birds singing. He hears the babbling of a nearby brook. When he finally speaks, his voice is in harmony with nature's melody, and his words are filled with joy. "I think you might be reading your book incorrectly, my friend."

The younger man responds as if he was just physically threatened. His heart rate increases. His muscles become tense and ready for conflict, causing them to tremble and shake slightly. His voice is tight like his fist when he decries, "You should not be so disrespectful of me and my belief. I know what the book says. I am neither stupid nor a fool."

The older man’s calm remains undisturbed. If anything, he becomes even more calm and peaceful than before. "My friend, I am not calling you stupid or a fool. All I am saying is that it is NOT raining."

"Damned fool," the younger man lashes back. "If the Farmer's Almanac says it is raining today, then it is raining today. The Almanac is trustworthy and authoritative. You should have more faith and put your trust in the written Truth."

The older man again pauses, suddenly remembering a similar conversation from many years ago. For the first time, the old man is concerned, but not for himself. "Please, friend, put down your umbrella for just a moment. It is an excellent and wonderful umbrella, and you can use it when the rain comes. But here and now, in this moment, your umbrella is blocking only sunlight. Put down your umbrella. Do not be afraid. You will be okay."

The younger man takes a step back, shocked and offended. "What is wrong with you? I showed love and kindness by offering you a place under my umbrella. This is how you thank me?”

The older man calmly asks, "Young friend, please, is there anything I can do to help you see it is not raining? Here, let us stand together by the rain gauge over there. We can watch together to see if any rain accumulates inside it."

The young man continues to back up, his great certainty causing him to be confused and angry. "You are a Fool for rejecting the trustworthy words of the Farmer’s Almanac.” 

The older man ignores the attack. "My friend, the Farmer's Almanac is widely read and widely loved, but that does not mean everyone reads it and understands it the exact same way. I loved the Farmer’s Almanac as a boy, and I still find wisdom inside it today. Will you at least acknowledge that not everyone who loves and respects the Farmer's Almanac believes it is raining right now, here, today?"

The younger man does not respond, and perhaps does not even hear, as he continues to distance himself for safety.  

The older man calls out, "Or will you at least admit that your own thinking about the Farmer's Almanac has changed since you were a boy? Will you at least give yourself the freedom to continue your personal journey of growing and learning?"

But the words go unheard. The younger man is now too far away, standing once again under his umbrella that is keeping him safe from rain that is not there.

The older man sighs with acceptance. He closes his eyes and turns his head upward, feeling the warmth of the sun on his face. He is comforted knowing the young man will be able to experience and enjoy the sun’s warmth one day, if only he is ever brave enough to allow himself to do so.

2 comments:

  1. http://www.ramosauthor.com/blog/2017/5/15/10-podcasts-for-the-christian-whose-faith-is-in-transition

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  2. Check these out! You're not alone :)

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