Originally posted in February 2015:
A beggar had been sitting by the side of the road for thirty years.
One day a stranger walked by. “Spare some change?” mumbled the beggar.
“I have nothing to give you,” said the stranger.
Then he asked: “What’s that you’re sitting on?”
“Nothing, ” replied the beggar. “Just an old box. I’ve been sitting on it for as long as I can remember.”
“Ever look inside?,” asked the stranger.
“No,” said the beggar. “What’s the point, there’s nothing in there.”
“Have a look inside,” insisted the stranger.
The beggar, reluctantly, managed to pry open the lid.
With astonishment, disbelief, and elation, he saw that the box was filled with gold.
I cannot recall if this story was from Hinduism or Buddhism, but the story itself is one that makes frequent appearances in my mind. I can even “hear” Jesus’ message when I read this story. I typically stay away from religious references, but this story perfectly illustrates a thought I have had the last few days. Why do so many people waste away while they sit on skills that would allow them to reach any goal they set? I wish more people realized they are the solution to their own problems!
Big Dreamer
Reblogged this on Will the real reality please stand up!.
I feel like I needed to read this post this morning. Thank you!
I am glad you enjoyed reading!
Good post – and I totally agree. One time I was downtown and a homeless man with a dog asked if I had any change to spare – and at that very moment I was digging around in my wallet trying to find change for the parking meter. It turned out I didn’t have any change so I said “No – do you have any change? – I need some for the meter” and he told me “That’s a turn of events” He gave me some change and I gave him some dollar bills.
That is a great story!! Lol
Excellent post. Great reflection.
Thank you for reading and leaving kind words!
nice one 🙂
Thank you for reading!
🙂
Love this!
I am glad you enjoyed!
I think too many of us fear we are the problem. So we sit on our gold, afraid to take risks. Good story and post for all seasons!
Elouise
Very true words! Thank you kindly for your thoughts!
You’re welcome.
Thank you very much for the follow. Will look forward to read more. 🙂
Likewise!!
Enjoyed this story very much. I think it’s also about belief. Not everyone believes they could hold such value, especially if they’ve been told otherwise or if they’ve never become familiar with what they have within. I too try to help people see what they to offer. Your blog has an amazing premise. And thanks so much for liking my blog. I feel worthy this morning 😉
Thank you for such an insightful comment. I look forward to reading more of your posts!!
Thank you for the link!
Nice story! We often complain about how well others are doing and forget our own potential, then all we need is a little pat on back telling us to go ahead and take chances for its our life and no failure is permanent! 🙂 thank you for stopping by on my blog a follow back from my side! 😀
My pleasure my friend!!