A merchant
was returning home from a long trip. At
the train station he met a man who was selling diamonds at an irresistible price. Although he had already bought everything he
wanted the merchant was sorely tempted to buy the jewels.
He
reflected for a while and then said, “Sir I have only $200. left. If I travel by train third class I can save
money. If I eat only bread, drink plain
water and sleep in alleyways, I can manage with just $20. Here is $180 for the diamonds. If you wish to accept it the deal is made.”
The seller
readily agreed to the sale. The merchant
placed the diamonds in a leather container which he tied around his body and
left for home.
At one of
the stations he was recognized by a rich merchant who asked, “What happened to
you? You always travel in luxury, eat
the best foods and sleep in the most expensive rooms. Why do you now spend the night with
beggars? Did you lose your fortune?”
The
merchant told him the entire story and admitted that the ordeal was indeed
difficult. “But every time I feel that
pain of hunger gnawing at my stomach, every time my back aches from sleeping on
the hard ground; every time the cold wind chills my body, every time I am
overcome with these terrible feelings, I go off to a corner, I count my jewels,
and all my suffering leaves me.” –R.M. Glazer
Now imagine how rich you are. You are a
creation of God. You are a descendent of
Abraham and Sarah, in the direct line of King David. There is food in the cupboard, clothes in the
closet and a prayer book on your shelf. Count your jewels.
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