"A parable is a short tale that illustrates universal truth, one of the simplest of narratives. It sketches a setting, describes an action, and shows the results. It often involves a character facing a moral dilemma, or making a questionable decision and then suffering the consequences." (Parable - Wikipedia)
Two of my favorite parables happen to be fairy tales. I love them so much because they describe a situation that we face in our lives--a situation that often causes us moral anxiety and challenges our world views, assumptions, and core beliefs. The situation I speak of involves making the choice to deviate from a path we had previously considered to be right.
Little Red Riding Hood
Little Red Riding Hood was given simple instructions. She was to deliver a basket of goodies to her ailing grandmother who lived deep in the woods. Her mother warned her of the that dangers lurked in the dark woods, but told her that if she were to stay on the path and proceed directly to Granny's house, she would arrive unharmed.
On her way, Little Red was confronted by a wolf who enticed her to leave the path by offering to show her beautiful flowers growing in a nearby meadow. Naturally, as soon as Little Red agreed to follow the wolf, he promptly consumed her, then went to Granny's house and dispatched her just as swiftly.
We all know how both Little Red and her Granny were fortuitously rescued from within the wolf by a heroic woodsman. So what's the point of the story? Do bad things even though you shouldn't, and everything will all work out in the end? I don't think so.
Listen to this setting of the aftermath of this story. In this song, Little Red reflects on her journey, acknowledges her mistake and the fact that her mistake very nearly cost her her life and that of her Granny. But do more than listen to the words. Think about a time when you departed from a path you shouldn't have. Think about your mistakes. Be honest with yourself. Did you endanger yourself? Your happiness? A loved one? Think beyond the story of Little Red. Make it your own story. We all make mistakes whether we want to or not. I believe the story of Little Red is all about what we learn from our mistakes.
How do you feel about the uncomfortable fact that when we do things we shouldn't, we inevitably learn and experience personal growth?
Jack and the Beanstalk
Jack's story is a little different. His ignorance, then his curiosity led him into a dangerous situation. At the top of his beanstalk, he was surrounded by comfort, food, riches, and a caring lady giant. He found there everything he lacked in his humble life on the ground. But with his new lifestyle came the enormous risk of being devoured by the giantess's husband. Please listen carefully to his introspections.
While Little Red seems to have learned her lesson and returned to her path a little smarter and a little wiser, Jack is unable to give up the allure of his newfound lifestyle. It scares him, living among the giants, and he pines for the safety of his old life. He even admits that he had never thought to explore his native world, never put in the work to uncover the joys that lay hidden on his prescribed path. But a goose that lays golden eggs? A magical harp? Totally worth sacrificing the old way. But...is it really worth it? He's not sure. He's stuck wishing he could live in between, enjoying the best of both worlds.
His indecision costs him dearly. By leaving the portal to the sky open so he can go there when it is convenient for him, he allows the giants to enter his world and wreak havoc and destruction not only on himself, but on his friends as well.
I promise that if you listen to the words of these two songs thoughtfully, you will learn a lot about yourself. What do you persist in doing even though you believe it to be wrong? What have you learned from mistakes that cost you dearly? Is there value in engaging in wrong behavior? Between which two worlds have you tried living? What were the results?