286- Whom can I Learn From?

Mark used to follow well-known people so he can sit with them for a while. After accomplishing this, he would brag to his family and friends on how he got to do something they never did. One day, Mark met a wise man. He asked the wise man, “Give me an apophthegm.”

The wise man answered, “Don’t seek the acquaintance of famous people but try to learn from the people around you, even a small child or a thief.”

“How can I learn from a child?”

“You learn from a child 3 things:

- First, a child doesn’t need anything to make him happy because he’s always happy.

- Next, a child doesn’t know laziness, as he/she is always active and busy.

- Last of all, learn praying earnestly for, when a child wants anything he/she never stops asking until he/she gets it.”

 “How can I learn from a thief?”

“You can learn from a thief five things:

- First, a thief makes plans in the morning and works at night so he doesn’t give himself any rest.

- Second, he never gives up. If he doesn’t succeed in one plan, he makes another to get what he wants.

- Third, he always loves his partners and cooperates with them.

- Fourth, He’s always ready to die for whatever he wants to get.

- Last of all, He doesn’t mind any obstacles or problems.”

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: ممن أتعلم؟!

Lord, help me learn from all things.

I learn working hard from the ants (Prov. 6.6),

Peace from doves (Matt. 10.16),

Wisdom from the serpent (Matt. 10. 16),

Discipline from the bees.

May I learn from the evil to stop doing evil.

I learn from the wise so I love wisdom.

May Your Holy Spirit work in me.

And let Your Holy Wisdom help me, O Lord!

British Surgeon Became Christian

Short Stories (Stories for the Youth) Books by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

I’m Moses