Have a nice week end.Nelli Perhaps you would like to change places with me.... There was once a king named Dionysius who ruled in Syracuse at that time the richest city in Sicily. He lived in a fine palace where there were many fine and beautiful things, and he was waited upon by a host of servants. Naturally, there were many in Syracuse who envied his good fortune. One of these was Damocles, one of Dionysius' best friends. He was always saying to Dionysius, "You must be the happiest man in the world." One day Dionysius tired of hearing such talk said, "Perhaps you would like to change places with me." "Oh, I would never dream of that," said Damocles. "But if I could only have your riches and your pleasures for one day, I should never want any greater happiness." "Very well, trade places with me just for one day." And so the next day, Damocles was led to the palace, and all the servants were instructed to treat him as their master. They dressed him in royal robes, and placed on his head a golden crown. He sat at the table in the banquet hall and rich foods and wines were set before him. "Ah, this is the life," sighed Dionysius who sat at the other end of the long table. "I've never enjoyed myself so much."
As he raised a cup to his lips and he lifted his eyes to the ceiling Damocles stiffened. The smile faded from his lips, and his face turned ashen, his hands trembled. He wanted no more food, no more wine, no more music. He only wanted to be out of the palace, far away. For directly above his head hung a sword, held to the ceiling by only a single horsehair. Frightened that any sudden move might snap the thin thread and bring down the sword, he sat frozen in his chair. "What's the matter, my friend?" asked Dionysius. "You seem to have lost your appetite." "That sword! That sword!" whispered Damocles. "Don't you see it?" "Of course I see it," said Dionysius. "I see it every day. It always hangs over my head, and there is always a chance someone may cut the slim thread. Perhaps one of my advisors may grow jealous of my power and try to kill me. Or someone may spread lies about me, to turn the people against me. Or maybe a neighbouring kingdom may send an army to seize my throne. Or I might make an unwise decision that will bring my downfall. If you want to be a leader you have to accept these risks. They come with the power. Damocles said, "I see now that I was mistaken, and that you have much to think about besides your riches and fame. Please take your place and let me go to my own house." And as long as he lived Damocles never wanted to change places, even for a moment, with the king. Author Unknown **************************************************************** This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list. For more info on the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet To unsubscribe from the list send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe to the list visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet/join To get a standard help message on the list services send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] ****************************************************************
