How to Lead and Succeed in Life and at Work
Be a bridge over troubled water.
Never fail to be a friend indeed
when you see a friend in need.
Often the bridge you build over troubled
water is the very bridge you yourself
may need to cross. The story is
told of a young man hiking through
the mountains, when a sudden blinding
storm struck. The entire area was
covered with deep snow. Before long,
the hiker's hands and feet grew numb
as he wandered through the storm and
snow in search of shelter. Just then he
came upon an older man who had collapsed
in the snow. "Are you OK?"
asked the hiker. "I'm so cold and so
tired," the weary man stammered. "My
legs are numb, and I don't think I have
the strength to go any further." The
hiker responded: "Let me help you."
He then removed his gloves and began
rubbing the man's arms and legs. After
several minutes of this gentle massage,
the man felt strong enough to stand on
his feet. The two men, supporting each
other, made their way through the
storm. Once they reached safety and
shelter, the younger man thanked the
other for all his help. "Thank me?"
said the older man. "I never would
have made it out of there if it wasn't
for you. I owe you my life," he said.
"No, you don't understand," responded
the younger man. "I was tired, cold,
and ready to give up. Helping you gave
me the strength and determination to
carry on. I owe you everything."
VICTOR M. PARACHIN is an ordained minister, freelance
journalist, and author of several books.
To read another article by Victor M. Parachin,"8 Ways
to Turn Obstacles into Opportunities"(Sep/Oct 2005),
visit www.AdvantEdgeMag.com/Parachin today.
