A man in his early fifties went to seek advice from a famous Zen spiritual master. As the man poured out his tale of woe, the Zen master listened attentively. “I have had three marriages”, the man complained, “and every one of them has failed. My wives have never understood me, they only find fault with me and put me down. My career is a mess, no one I work with has the insights I have so they don’t listen to me. My talents are never really put to good use at my company. I have few friends, and I am lonely most of the time.”

“Have you sought the help of counselors or therapists?” the Zen Master asked.

“No, I don’t hold much stock with those folks, I think they are just after money. Besides they never really help anyone.” The man replied.

The Zen Master then paused to gather his thoughts. Finally he spoke.

“An ancient Zen saying goes something like this, ‘When the gentleman archer shoots his arrow and misses the target, he looks inward.’”

The man thought for a minute or two and then said, “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

The Zen Master calmly explained, “Its meaning is that when a gentleman archer misses his mark, the target isn’t at fault. All true archers know that the way to improve their aim, they must improve themselves. Perhaps this important bit of wisdom has been inadvertently left out of your education. If you want to improve your life, look inward.”

Christmas is near. Advent is the time for conversion. Perhaps that Zen Master can help us. Those two words, “look inward”, are two good words to use as we prepare our hearts for Christmas.