GET OFF YOUR HORSE, CORPORAL

A rider on horseback, many years ago, came upon a squad of soldiers who were trying to move a heavy piece of timber. A corporal stood by, giving lordly orders to "heave." But the piece of timber was a trifle too heavy for the squad.

"Why don’t you help them?" asked the quiet man on the horse, addressing the important corporal. "Me? Why, I’m a corporal sir!"

Dismounting, the stranger carefully took his place with the soldiers. "Now, all together boys - heave!" he said. And the big piece of timber slid into place.

The stranger mounted his horse and addressed the corporal. "The next time you have a piece of timber for your men to handle, corporal, send for the commander-in-chief." The horseman was George Washington, the first American president.

(Source: From a sermon by Tommy Burrus, "Upper Room Prayer" 7/5/2009)