"A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.
"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.
"One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, self-doubt, and ego.
"The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
"This same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather,
"Which wolf will win?"
The old chief simply replied,
"The one you feed."
Author Unknown
I have heard this parable several times in my life, but up until very recently I hadn't fully understood it's significant or what it really meant. I first heard this parable when I was a young boy from my uncle. He has always been a student of history and the culture of the American Indians is no exception. While I don't recall the circumstances surrounding the first telling of the parable, I do understand it's significance. One of the most significant things about this parable is that each wolf does have a name.
One is named Fear and the other is named Faith. Both are powerful creatures that have the ability to influence our lives. There have been times in my life when I have fed one, both, or neither wolf. Which wolf you feed will greatly impact you.
Feed Fear and life becomes a very scary place. The things you say, do, and how you act will have a negative effect on your life. You feel like your world is spinning out of control. How you interact with people will be different and not in a good way. Your temper will be short, as will your responses. When people are afraid of loss and full of worry, then Fear gets a meal which in turn makes him stronger according to the parable.
But the good news is...
Feed Faith and just the opposite happens. You are no longer worried or afraid. Good things happen when you have interaction with others. You have this strong sense of control over you life because you aren't in control. God is. He is ALWAYS in control and at times we seem to think we can will our way to win. Our success is HIS success and he wants the best for his children. (He is our heavenly father, you know) When we have Faith, then hope and grace are there shortly to follow. Then, we get to take part in the life I'm sure we want and he has created for us.
Life is all about the choices we make. Which choice will YOU make? After feeding them both, I know which one I am going to feed.
Have a great week everybody and as always I appreciate you for taking time out of your day so we can share our thoughts together.
