think

How often have you thought that something is done because
the "ancient ones" did it. How many time have you looked at a
problem and responded "just like grandpa did". Have you ever
wondered how so many of our traditions were established? Here are
two stories for you to think on. The Ham Ends Not long ago I was
visiting with some friends and we were to have ham that evening for
dinner. As there were about 15 of us, I thought I would help out in
the kitchen. My Sister-in-law asked me to put the ham, a very ladge
ham, in the oven to bake. Well I spread mustard on the ham, poked
cloves in the lattice work some garlic in the several deep cuts and
started to put the ham in the oven. "STOP" she yelled. I stoped and
asked her what was the matter. She said we had to cut the ends off
the Ham. Huh??????? Why??????? She said that is the way you cook a
ham. Her mother came into the kitchen at that moment and asked what
was the matter. I told her what was going on and asked why do you
cut the ends off the Ham. Well she started to laugh. Then she said
that when she was little, her mother always cut the ends off of the
ham .............. Are you ready of this.............Because the
Hams were to big for her roasting pan. Here is another for you to
think about. Tribal Policy Start with a cage containing five
monkeys. Inside the cage, hang a banana on a string and place a set
of stairs under it. Before long, a monkey will go to the stairs and
start to climb towards the banana. As soon as he touches the stairs,
spray all of the other monkeys with cold water. After a while,
another monkey makes an attempt with the same result all the other
monkeys are sprayed with cold water. Pretty soon, when another
monkey tries to climb the stairs, the other monkeys will try to
prevent it. Now, put away the cold water. Remove one monkey from the
cage and replace it with a new one. The new monkey sees the banana
and wants to climb the stairs. To his surprise and horror, all of
the other monkeys attack him. After another attempt and attack, he
knows that if he tries to climb the stairs, he will be assaulted.
Next, remove another of the original five monkeys and replace it
with a new one. The newcomer goes to the stairs and is attacked. The
previous newcomer takes part in the punishment with enthusiasm!
Likewise, replace a third original monkey with a new one, then a
fourth, then the fifth. Every time the newest monkey takes to the
stairs, he is attacked. Most of the monkeys that are beating him
have no idea why they were not permitted to climb the stairs or why
they are participating in the beating of the newest monkey. After
replacing all the original monkeys, none of the remaining monkeys
have ever been sprayed with cold water. Nevertheless, no monkey ever
again approaches the stairs to try for the banana. Why not? Because
as far as they know that's the way it's always been done around
here. And that, my friends, is how a Tribal Policy begins. I ask you
to think on these the next time you are wanting to say, well it was
done that way all my life.
Be at peace,
And the rats tail fell off