Motivational Quotes

Buy Some Time ⏲ For Yourself, Responsibilities Will Always Chase🏃You

The old saint sat motionless by the lake's edge, his gaze fixed on the shimmering water. He had been there for what seemed like an eternity, the sun rising and setting countless times on his silent vigil. One day, a traveler, weary from his journey, noticed the saint and approached him with curiosity.

"Venerable one," the traveler inquired, "why do you sit here by the lake for so long?"

The saint turned his gentle eyes towards the traveler and replied, "I wait for the lake to empty. When its bed is dry, I shall walk across to the other side."

The traveler chuckled. "But holy man, that will never happen! The lake flows constantly, fed by springs and rain. It will never dry up. If you wish to reach the other side, you could take a boat, or perhaps swim across. Surely you have considered these options?"

The saint smiled, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Indeed, I have. But my purpose here is not merely to cross the lake. I sit here to impart a lesson to the world."

He gestured towards the ever-flowing water. "Look at the lake. It is a constant, a symbol of life's responsibilities. Like the water that continuously replenishes this lake, our duties and obligations flow ceaselessly. Many people believe that they must first fulfill all their responsibilities before they can find peace and truly live. They say, 'Once I finish this task, then I will have time for myself. Once I have fulfilled this obligation, then I will be free.' But just as this lake never empties, so too do our responsibilities never truly cease."

The traveler listened intently, the wisdom of the saint's words beginning to dawn on him.

The saint continued, "Life is not about waiting for the lake to dry. It's about learning to navigate its waters. We cannot postpone joy and self-care until all our duties are done, for that day will never come. Just as the lake flows, so must we also flow with life, embracing our responsibilities while simultaneously carving out moments for ourselves. We must learn to find peace within the flow, not by waiting for it to stop."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "The message I wish to share is this: Do not wait for the lake to empty. Learn to sail. Learn to swim. Learn to appreciate the beauty of the water, even as you navigate its currents. Find your peace within the flow of responsibility, not by escaping it."

The traveler, his heart filled with newfound understanding, bowed his head in gratitude. He had come seeking the reason for the saint's long vigil, but he had received a far greater gift: the wisdom to live a balanced and fulfilling life, even amidst the constant flow of responsibility. He left the saint by the lake, the gentle lapping of the water now a reminder not of endless waiting, but of the continuous rhythm of life itself.