The Frayed Rope

[228 words] A tourist wanted to visit a beautiful monastery. The problem was, it was located 3,000 feet up a cliff. The only way to reach it was by a terrifying ride in a basket with several men pulling it up with a single rope. Reluctantly, the tourist and a monk climbed into the basket. About half way up the cliff, the tourist started noticing how old and frayed the rope was. He turned to the monk and asked, “How often do you change out the rope?” The monk replied, “whenever it breaks.” Some situations are best dealt with ahead of time. Wash the clothes before the drawer goes bare. Have a spare key somewhere accessible. Fill up the gas tank before it hits “E.” Change your car brakes before they stop working. The same is true with spiritual problems. Many of the sins we deal with can be prevented…