Arguing With Donkeys

An old fable…

Donkey says to Tiger: ‘Grass is blue’. Tiger replies: ‘Grass is green.’ There’s a heated argument. They go to the King, Lion, to settle the argument.

Donkey asks: ‘Is grass blue?’ Lion replies: ‘Yes. Grass is blue.’ Donkey continues: ‘Tiger keeps annoying me by saying grass is green. Punish him.’ Lion replies: “Tiger will be punished with five years of silence.’ Donkey cheerfully goes on his way, repeating: ‘Grass is blue.’

Tiger asks Lion: ‘Why have you punished me? You know that grass is green.’ Lion replies:

‘Of course grass is green. The punishment isn’t to do with whether the grass is blue or green. The punishment is because you shouldn’t bother with that question, and waste time arguing with a donkey.’

Reflecting on…

…recent discussions with Men’s Shed friends – the usual topics – illegal immigrants, electric cars, the Muslim religion, Nigel Farage… the emphasis on winning the argument.

… church discussions – provision for children, style of music, past practice conflicting with change… Are these pointless ‘grass is blue’ arguments that should be avoided?

…the attempted assassination of Donald Trump… will this cause greater division and hatred in the US… will pugnacious, belligerent politicians use this to create more senseless, destructive arguments. And where’s the donkey?

Reflecting, in contrast…

…recent conversations …the hospital visit, where the visitor’s presence was more important than the conversation …the chemotherapy, where present sickness is of little consequence compared to final wellness …the family relationships that are more important than alcohol dependency… Urgent personal priorities…

…Jesus’ ‘Sermon on the Mount’ … ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those hungry for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the persecuted.’ …not the winners of pointless arguments. ‘Be salt of the earth, light to the world’ …not donkeys.

St Paul’s advice to his young friend Timothy: ‘Pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace… don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments …instead …be kind to everyone.’

Perhaps Paul knew about Tiger and Donkey.