05-10-2002, 01:45 PM
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 A Parable by the Mayor - ALL READ Please!
A parable by The Mayor Once upon a time there was a man who moved into a house on a street. This was no ordinary street. It was very busy. And the man chose the house because of its location. He thought it would be a great place to live. The man worked diligently to prepare his house so that he could invite guests over. He wanted to make a great first impression. However, he couldn't wait until it was completely ready before he began inviting guests. And so, he put the invitation out to anyone who wanted to come and visit. Now there were many houses on the street. Some of them were very different from the man's house. And many of the other homeowners were very different from the man. There were also other houses that were quite similar to the man's. But one thing set this house apart from the others. The man kept a very clean house. He treasured it. He took great pride in it. It was a house that would stand out from the others. The man wanted this house to be a safehaven; a place where others would feel at home. And so, the man set some reasonable ground rules for his guests. The rules were common sense. They were no great stretch for guests who knew that treating others well is the way to live one's life. He didn't even post a sign that said "No shirts, no shoes, no service", recognizing that many of his guests would not meet this criteria! And so, while the finishing touches were still being applied, many visitors stopped by to vist the man in his new house. They were delighted by the friendly atmosphere! Many loved the yellow and purple wallpaper. (A few lacked the same taste, but they were willing to deal with it anyway...) They went wild for the hors d'ouvres and beverages served by their host. And he even provided party favors! But most of all, they were thrilled to find others, just like themselves, also as guests. They made friends with others and had a wonderful time! And so, word spread about town about this new house. Before you knew it, the man was overwhelmed with visitors, many of whom had taken up permanent residence! But that was part of the plan. The man knew that there was always room for one more at his house, and if necessary, he would build additional rooms to accomodate them all. Because of the influx of guests, the man knew he needed help to manage his house. He requested volunteers to come and be Stewards of the house. Lo and behold, a handful of committed and dedicated individuals stepped forward to accept the task, many of whom are still serving in the man's house to this very day! These individuals were not paid. They became Stewards out of their love for the man, his house, and the other guests. Realizing that Stewards are often the ones left to clean up the mess left by other guests, they still took on the task with great gusto. They are among the homeowner's greatest treasures! As time went by, many visitors came and went. But the more that came, the more that stayed. And as that happened, something unique took place. The guests became more than guests. They became family. No longer were they just interested in the food, drink and party favors. No. They now visited the man's home because that is where their friends were. It became a place where they could share their joys and their heartaches; their triumphs and their tears. It truly became a place where everyone knew each other's name. Many would gather regularly for the company of others. They were there to celebrate with the man when his home turned one-year old. They were there again when the man redecorated, much to the dismay of the yellow and purple fans! They were there to celebrate each other's victories - marriages, pregnancies, new jobs, and more. And they were there to mourn the loss of one very dear to them. The man looked up his home and the inhabitants, and he was pleased. However, there were moments when rude and unkind guests had visited the man's home. These individuals were more than happy to partake of the man's hospitality. But their intent was to be a negative influence in the man's home. They insulted other guests. The took without giving back. They trampled on the man's generosity without respect for the man or for other guests. The man took great offense at this saying, "How dare you come into my home and tell me how to run it? How dare you insult my other guests and my Stewards? How dare you disrespect my home with your graffiti? You are no longer welcome in my home!" At this, a few other guests became dismayed. After all, wasn't it a RIGHT for other guests to do and say whatever they wanted in the man's home? Their thinking became muddied and clouded. They forgot that they were guests in another person's home. They erroneously believed that just because they were invited, they could do whatever they wanted. And so, the man cleaned house once again. Because he was gracious and forgiving, the man allowed the rude guests the opportunity to apologize. Realizing that he, too, has failed in his life, the man was more than willing to welcome these people back, recognizing that many times they have a deeper need which might be met in a loving family setting. Many times over, the man welcomed such guests back into his home. But for those who would seek to do nothing more than cause problems in the man's home, the door was locked and they were turned away. Besides there were many other homes open to such people, and they were more than welcome to move in there. But for the majority who were allowed into the man's home, they found the banquet sweeter than ever and the friendships deeper and more significant. Most significant of all is what the man discovered along the way. He discovered that the most important thing about his home is the family that dwells within. From the Stewards to the inhabitants to the new guests, each one is important in his or her own way. While the man intended to open his home on a busy street in order to have a profitable business, he has found much greater reward in the smiles and the thankfulness of those who call his home, their home. And it is his hope and dream that his home would continue to be a refuge for those who seek friendship and fellowship with others. He would very much like to be able to say... "and they lived happily ever after"
__________________ DealofDay.com Save Money, Have Fun!   |
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05-10-2002, 01:51 PM
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Thank you for always making me feel like a welcomed guest Mayor. Hope I always remember my manners and treat your place with respect. 
__________________ Mean People Suck |
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05-10-2002, 02:01 PM
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| I loved you story. ~Joy p.s. I really loved the yellow & purple wallpaper.
__________________ joy@dealofday.comAutism Awareness ~Not being able to speak is NOT the same as not having anything to say. |
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05-10-2002, 02:35 PM
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 (((((((((((MAYOR)))))))))))
That has got to be the most beautiful thing i have read in a long LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG time. thank you. my, my, my the flowers need watering here in this lovely home 
__________________ ~Steph~ [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] ~Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind, don't matter and those who matter, don't mind~  |
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05-10-2002, 02:37 PM
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Nice analogy Mayor Laffs at Phred for pretending to be SO dense. |
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05-10-2002, 02:41 PM
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 And stay out of my room, Phred! LOL |
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05-10-2002, 02:47 PM
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Mayor
__________________ DealofDay.com Save Money, Have Fun! |
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05-10-2002, 03:12 PM
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Phred still thinks we're running away together, lol! |
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05-10-2002, 03:41 PM
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You know, the creativity of DoD members has always amazed me but I must say that Mayor takes the cake...or buffet...You are a true wordsmith and a beautiful story teller. I think that even the densest among us will get it...Thank you!
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05-10-2002, 04:01 PM
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Mayor, that was awesome! Thank you for allowing me to be a guest in your home. I have met some absolutely fabulous people here that are now good friends. And that includes PHReD. Steph, you may now pass the "Duh of the Year Award" to PHReD.
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05-10-2002, 04:39 PM
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I'm impressed. Very well written. The meaning is profound and hopefully it will serve a positive purpose in THIS house.
__________________ Save a life.. Become an Organ Donor. For a Donor Form, call 1-888-ASK-HRSA.  |
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