Mark Smyth

“My greatest joy comes from helping others realize their ability to empower themselves.” – Mark Smyth

The Three Men and the River: An Illustration of Self-Empowerment

Three men were traveling along a trail. When they came to a river, they realized the bridge had been washed away. The first man was a traveller by nature and simply walked along the riverbank for a while until he discovered a fallen tree that allowed him to cross over and make his way back to the trail. The second man was very athletic and chose to swim across the river. The third man was a skilled craftsman and made a small raft from nearby limbs and vines, which he then used to float across the river. They all joined up on the other side and continued their journey.

This short story was my starting point for One Saturday Morning. I felt it beautifully illustrated how every goal in life is met with challenges along the way. Each challenge brings with it numerous options for overcoming it. The process of discovering an option that best fits your talents leads to self-empowerment.

My belief is that we are each going through a very personal journey toward growth and empowerment. Everyone deserves respect and encouragement as they apply their unique talents to the challenges encountered along their journey. One Saturday Morning is a story of meeting life’s challenges with a sense of adventure. Enjoy!