Few sayings have survived the test of time like this one.
We have all said it.
We have all heard it.
And sooner or later…
we have all lived it.
The horse in this story sets three examples. 1. can’t drink 2. can drink 3. must drink
There are certain sayings that never seem to go away.
They survive generations.
They survive cultures.
They survive changing times because they contain something deeper than words.
One of those sayings is this:
YOU CAN LEAD A HORSE TO WATER…
BUT YOU CAN’T MAKE HIM DRINK.
Simple.
Accurate.
Timeless.
And the older I get, the more applications I find for it.
WHEN TEACHING SOMEONE
I first became aware of the true power of this saying while trying to help someone understand something important.
I explained it one way.
Then another way.
Then another.
I changed examples.
I changed approaches.
I changed language.
Nothing worked.
At first I thought the problem was me.
Maybe I wasn’t explaining it clearly.
Maybe I wasn’t communicating effectively.
Then I realized something.
The person understood exactly what I was saying.
They simply didn’t want to receive it.
They were refusing the information.
They were refusing the lesson.
They weren’t thirsty.
They wouldn’t drink.
At that point, what more can you do?
You have done your part.
The rest belongs to them.
You leave with a clear conscience knowing the water was there if they ever decide they are thirsty.
WHEN RAISING CHILDREN
Now the saying takes on a slightly different meaning.
YOU CAN LEAD A HORSE TO WATER…
BUT YOU CAN MAKE HIM DRINK.
Children are still learning.
Still developing.
Still forming habits and character.
Parents have a responsibility to guide them.
Homework.
Brushing teeth.
Chores.
Respect.
Discipline.
House rules.
These are not suggestions.
These are requirements.
A child does not always understand why something is important.
That understanding often comes later.
Parents must sometimes insist on the drinking.
WORTH NOTING:
Never become so forceful that anger takes over.
Correction should teach.
Not injure.
Discipline should strengthen.
Not break the spirit.
The goal is to raise capable adults, not fearful children.
WHEN WORKING FOR SOMEONE ELSE
The saying changes once again.
YOU CAN LEAD A HORSE TO WATER…
BUT YOU MUST MAKE HIM DRINK.
Businesses operate according to plans, systems, procedures, and expectations.
Employers hire people to participate in those systems.
When you accept the position, you are agreeing to the structure.
You are agreeing to learn.
You are agreeing to perform.
You are agreeing to drink deeply from the well of responsibility.
Every successful organization depends upon willing participation.
No drinking.
No results.
No results.
No business.
THE BIGGER LESSON
This little saying has survived because it points to a larger truth.
Every human being possesses free will.
People must choose.
They must choose to learn.
Choose to grow.
Choose to listen.
Choose to participate.
Choose to change.
You can provide opportunity.
You can provide wisdom.
You can provide guidance.
You can provide examples.
But eventually the decision belongs to the individual.
That reality can be frustrating.
It can also be liberating.
Because once you have done your part, you can stop carrying responsibility that does not belong to you.
THE MIRROR
Here is where the saying becomes personal.
How many times have we been the horse?
How many times have people tried to help us?
Guide us?
Teach us?
Warn us?
Encourage us?
Only to watch us walk away from the water.
Perhaps the lesson is not only about others.
Perhaps it is also about ourselves.
The next time life places a lesson before you…
Pause.
Look carefully.
And ask yourself:
Am I drinking?
Or am I standing next to the water refusing it?
Because opportunities, wisdom, growth, and truth often arrive quietly.
The wise learn to drink deeply.
— Richie
Pearls for the Soul
when you feed the soul, you feed everything.
https://pearlsforthesoul.com
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