PeaceHealth makes every effort to begin each meeting with a "reflection." This is a particularly meaningful experience for many as we take time to think about things related to the work that we will do. I was in a meeting the other day and was quite taken with the following story that Doreen Putnam, Ambulatory Services Manager, offered as our reflection. Here it is.
A True Story
There was once a man named Fleming. He was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran over to the area. There, up to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.
The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy that farmer Fleming had saved. "I want to repay you," said the nobleman. "You saved my son's life." "No, I can't accept payment for what I did," the Scottish farmer replied, waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer's own son came to the door of the family hovel. "Is that your son?" the nobleman asked. "Yes," the farmer replied proudly.
"I'll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my son will enjoy. If the lad is anything like his father, he'll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of." And that he did.
Farmer Fleming's son attended the very best schools, and in time, he graduated from St. Mary's Hospital School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.
Years afterward, the same nobleman's son who was saved from the bog was stricken with pneumonia. What saved his life this time? Penicillin.
The name of the nobleman in this story? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son's name? Sir Winston Churchill.
So, as you face life's challenges, think of this:
- What goes around, comes around.
- Work like you don't need the money.
- Love like you've never been hurt.
- Dance like nobody's watching.
- Sing like nobody's listening.
- Live like its Heaven of Earth.
