The Monkey and the Fish

A typhoon stranded a monkey on an island. In a protected place on the shore, while waiting for the raging waters to recede, he spotted a fish swimming against the current. It seemed to the monkey that the fish was struggling and needed assistance. Being of kind heart, the monkey resolved to help the fish.

A tree leaned precariously over the spot where the fish seemed to be struggling. At considerable risk to himself, the monkey moved far out on a limb, reached down, and snatched the fish from the waters. Scurrying back to the safety of his shelter, he carefully laid the fish on the dry ground. For a few moments, the fish showed excitement, but soon settled into peaceful rest.


- An Eastern parable, from the preface of The Monkey and the Fish: Liquid Leadership for a Third-Culture Church by Dave Gibbons


Ouch!! This story was very convicting to me in regard to my work and ministry. How many "problems" have I attempted to solve that aren't really problems?  How many times have I had answers before ever asking a question?  How often have my good intentions done more harm than good?  Anyone else? How so?