I found this years ago. I wish I could say I remember what book I read this from. It has been one of the great grounding points for me, whenever I assume life has tipped too far in either direction.
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There once was a poor Chinese farmer, who toiled pulling his own plow for many years. Finally, he had saved enough to buy a horse. His neighbors all came around, full of cheer, saying, "You bought a horse! That’s wonderful news!"
The farmer, who was Taoist, smiled a little and answered, "Maybe."
The next morning, the farmer went out to his barn and found the horse had run away. When his neighbors heard the news, they all came by to console the farmer, saying, "We heard the news. What a terrible break."
The farmer had the same bemused look and said, "Maybe."
The next day, the horse wandered back, followed by seven wild horses. Again, all his neighbors came by, this time to congratulate the farmer on his good fortune.
The farmer simply shrugged and said "Maybe."
The next day, the farmer’s son was trying to tame one of the wild horses. The horse threw him to the ground, and the boy broke his leg. Upon hearing this, all the neighbors came by to offer their help and said, "We’re so sorry to hear of your misfortune. What horrible news."
The farmer just looked at them blankly and said "Maybe."
Finally, the next day, the Chinese army came around to draft all the young men of the village, but passed over the farmer’s son because his leg was broken.
The Intersection Point 