Could Helping Others Lead To Happiness?
An ancient legend tells of a warrior who died and went to heaven. Before entering, he told his guide that he wanted to see what hell was like. The guide showed him the way.
The warrior saw a table overflowing with wonderful food and drink. Around the table, however, was a crowd of starving people. He saw that they all had to eat with were utensils that were five feet long and had to be held at the ends. The people were unable to get any food into their mouths, so they were forced to sit in front of the feast without being able to satisfy their hunger. It was indeed hellish, he thought, and he readily followed the guide up to heaven.
He was surprised to see that heaven also held a table laden with wonderful food and a rule that everyone had to eat with five-foot-long utensils held at the end. But here the people were healthy and happy.
He asked the guide, “Why are these souls in heaven so happy, and those in hell so miserable, when both have the same difficulty satisfying their hunger?”
The guide smiled and said, “Because the people here in heaven have learned to feed each other.”
I’d love to hear about your happiness, let me know by posting your comments, emailing me at Debra@DebraSchwartz.com or calling me at 408-558-6644
Debra
