Wednesday, January 26, 2005

BLACK BELT

 

 

 

 

 

THE BLACK BELT

A parable tells about a martial artist who kneels before a master
sensei in a ceremony to receive the hard-earned Black Belt. After
years of relentless training, the student has finally reached a
pinnacle of achievement in the discipline.

"Before granting the belt, you must pass one more test," the sensei
solemnly tells the young man.

"I'm ready," responds the student, expecting perhaps one more round of
sparring.

"You must answer the essential question: What is the true meaning of
the Black Belt?"

"Why, the end of my journey," says the student. "A well-deserved
reward for my hard work."

The master waits for more. Clearly, he is not satisfied. The sensei
finally speaks: "You are not ready for the Black Belt. Return in one
year."

As the student kneels before his master a year later, he is again
asked the question, "What is the true meaning of the Black Belt?"

"It is a symbol of distinction and the highest achievement in our
art," the young man responds.

Again the master waits for more. Still unsatisfied, he says once more:
"You are not ready for the Black Belt. Return in one year."

A year later the student kneels before his sensei and hears the
question, "What is the true meaning of the Black Belt?"

This time he answers, "The Black Belt represents not the end, but the
beginning, the start of a never-ending journey of discipline, work and
the pursuit of an ever higher standard."

"Yes," says the master. "You are now ready to receive the Black Belt
and begin your work."

You may not be hoping for a Black Belt, but you might be at a crucial
point. Maybe you're facing a life change, perhaps even a painful one.
Or maybe you are awaiting something you have worked hard to attain -
graduation, a new job, a promotion, or even retirement.

All wise people see that changes can be new beginnings. Change need
not be feared. And neither should we be looking for a permanent
resting place, for a full and happy life is never stagnant.

Does the change you face represent, not just an ending, but a new
beginning in your life's journey? If so, you may be ready to move
forward.

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