Once upon a time, so long ago that it seems like yesterday,
circumstances so occurred that two youths found themselves lost
together in the desert and forced to spend the night without the
services of modern technology.
"What a terrible thing," said the first one. "We're stuck out here
all alone among who knows what frightening stuff."
"This is great," said the other. "What an adventure. I can't wait
to see what happens."
As the light began to fade, the youths happened upon a snake,
sitting on a rock to get the last warmth it could find before the
cold night set in.
"Oh, no!" said the first youth. "Out here it's just one problem
after another. Now we'll have to worry about that snake crawling
all over us as we sleep."
"What a great opportunity," said the second youth. "Now we can have
some dinner." Soon the snake was roasting on an impromptu fire, and
in a little while, the two youths began to eat.
"This is horrible," said the first youth, spitting out the meat and
nearly vomiting. "I can't imagine a worse thing."
"Actually, it tastes rather mild," said the second youth, eating
with relish.
When the next day came and the youths were rescued, they were asked
about their adventure.
"It was the most awful, horrible experience I've ever had," said the
first youth, trembling from the memory. "I'll be mentally scarred
by it for the rest of my life."
"It was great!" said the second youth. "I think it's the best thing
that ever happened to me. What a fun time. I'm so glad I was there."
* The events we experience are less important than the meaning we
give to them, for life is about meaning, not experience.