There is a saying in Korean and Chinese, 염일방일 (拈一放一), which means if you want to gain one, you must let go of one.
About thousand years ago during Song dynasty, there is a story told of a well known scholar, historian and politician name Samakwang. When Samakwang was young, he saw a little boy fell into a big clay water pot (like a water tank for us). The boy screamed for help as he was trying to stay afloat. Time was ticking and adults were looking for a rope to lower it to help the boy.
It was then young Samakwang picked up a rock and threw it hard enough to break the clay pot and drain the water out to save the little boy. While grown ups looking for a way to save the pot, save the water, and save their face… a little boy almost die.
Sometimes we think of things to “save” over what is more important. Jesus said “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” (Matt. 16:26).
염일방일 (拈一放一) reminds me of God sacrifice. God sent (let goed) His one and only Son in order to bring us (gain) to Him. I wonder what kind of “clay jar” we are preoccupied with that we don’t more important things in life.
Have a blessed week!