The Wolves Within

February 11, 2003

An old Grandfather, whose grandson came to him with anger at a schoolmate who had done him an injustice, said, "Let me tell you a story.  I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do.  But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy.  It is like taking poison while wishing that it is your enemy that would die.

"I have struggled with these feelings many times," he continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me; one is good and does no harm.  He lives in harmony with all around him and does not take offense when no offense was intended.  He will only fight when it is right to do so, and then seeking only justice and not revenge.

"But the other wolf, ah!  He is full of anger.  The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper.  He fights everyone, all the time, and often for no reason.  He cannot think rationally because his anger and hate are so great it blinds him.  It is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."

The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eye and asked, "Which one wins, Grandfather?"

The Grandfather solemnly replied, "The one I feed, my son, the one I feed."

As you travel home this evening, ask yourself, "Which wolf do I feed?"

Good night, gentlemen.