24 November 2010

Inspirational Tales Series - The Gift

I never read inspirational stories. That is 'read' in the past tense. I had become such a cynic that I used to find them tacky and silly, and a waste of time. I felt that these preachy stories where from someone who just sat in the comfort of their homes and didn't know anything about how horrid the world, and people in general, have become. Having a child shifts your opinion of a lot of things - for their sake you need to be optimistic, noble, courageous, and believing. Now every inspiration story I read (present tense) I remember so that, one day, I can pass these values and thoughts to my daughter. I will post a few stories that inspired me or struck a chord deep in my heart. And another important point I need to make - I am a Christian, and I don't hide it. So I'm taking things one step further in this blog, and talking about spiritual things. I hope you, my reader and friend, will stay with me on this. Enjoy...

A young man was getting ready to graduate college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted. As graduation day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.

Curious, but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible. Angrily he raised his voice at his father and said, "With all your money you gave me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and a wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things. When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart.

He began to search for his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. As he read those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation and the words...PAID IN FULL.

How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?

2 comments:

Ameena said...

What a wonderful story for such a great holiday...I am so guilty of expecting so much from my parents and not appreciating what they have to give. Thank you for the great reminder Jane!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jane Hamilton said...

Thanks Ameena! Wow! I totally forgot that this came just before Thanksgiving holiday (this holiday is not celebrated in India, so it completely slipped my mind). Thanks for pointing out the wonderful coincidence!
And yes, I am also one of those guilty of taking my parents for granted :(

Hope you have a great Thanksgiving holiday! I look forward to hear how you spent it. :)

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