One day, a farmer was walking near his orchard. He was proud of the tall fence he had built, certain that no animal could ever enter.
Suddenly, he spotted a goat that had sneaked in and was nibbling at the lower branches of the orchard.
“Ah! So you dare trespass into my orchard!” he shouted, opening the gate to drive the goat out.
The goat was clever. It ran here and there, ducked under the trees, and dodged the farmer’s chase. Finally, sweaty and breathless, the farmer sat down to rest. At that moment, the goat escaped through the open gate.
“Victory!” he cried. But as he turned to lock the gate, he saw something unbelievable: a big camel standing calmly inside his orchard, its mouth full of his precious fruit.
The camel had entered while he was busy chasing the goat through the open gate.
The farmer slapped his forehead and exclaimed, “I wasted all my energy chasing a goat, while the camel walked in like a king!”
This parable mirrors many of our human experiences and offers insight for daily life. Life’s greatest damage often occurs while we are busy fighting small battles. Small “goats” easily hijack our attention, while we leave the gate open for the “camels” to enter. Many of us misplace our focus, concentrating on what is unimportant or merely urgent, while ignoring what truly matters. In daily life, we must remain watchful of such situations.
To make this more practical, let us look at family life. Some parents, like the farmer, become consumed by small battles, careers, jobs, financial goals, and social recognition, while neglecting what matters most: their children and relationships. While they chase the “goat” with good intentions, the “camel” of despair, sin, or broken relationships enters quietly. Children grow up without deep conversations, shared meals, or the warmth of being truly seen. Marriages drift into polite coexistence. Parents become strangers to their children’s hearts. Like the camel, neglect does not shout; it simply settles in and devours the sweetest fruits of family life, trust, intimacy, and love.
The solution is not to ignore the goats in our lives. They do need attention, but not at the cost of greater goods. The farmer’s mistake was failing to realize that when the gate is left open, camels can enter. Guard your family first. Today, make a conscious decision to check the gates in your own life. Who or what are you allowing to enter? Set proper priorities and protect your family’s heart.
St. Ignatius of Loyola, in his Spiritual Exercises, speaks of “apparent goods.” He teaches that not all good thoughts originate from the good spirit. At times, the evil spirit proposes “apparent good” thoughts to distract or deceive. Therefore, we must discern carefully, with prayerful attention, which choices truly lead us closer to God and give life to our families. Only then can we recognize how “apparent good” may draw us away from our primary vocation within the family.
The wisdom of Ignatius lies in his practical counsel: examine both the origin and the effect of your thoughts and desires. Ask yourself: Does this bring me closer to my family, to healthier relationships, and to more faithful service?
The farmer’s folly is our daily temptation. Let us guard our orchard not only by chasing every goat, but by keeping the gate closed to camels. Take proactive steps each day to ensure peace, purpose, and faithfulness to God. Do not leave the orchard of your heart vulnerable. Ask yourself today: What am I gaining, and at what cost? Act now to preserve what truly matters.
Be careful that, in bringing your family out of material poverty, you do not create an inner poverty of love. When children and spouses are neglected, the result is often insecurity, rebellion, or broken relationships. Decide today to prioritize presence over productivity. Begin with one genuine moment of connection, with your spouse or your child. Remember, no one on their deathbed ever says, “I wish I had spent more time at the office.”
Similarly, just as family life can be neglected, do not allow busyness, technology, or work to hijack your spiritual life, integrity, and values. Small compromises often open the way to greater moral collapse. Guard also your health, emotional well-being, and sense of community.
May we cultivate hearts attentive to the Spirit, learning to distinguish between what is truly good and what only appears good, so that every thought, desire, and action draws us closer to the source of all goodness, God Himself.
