|
There were once two businessmen who lived in a thriving city somewhere in the northeastern United States. Both were highly successful and both were very wealthy. One day they heard of a man who had lost his ability to earn a living because of a disability. Both businessmen decided they would help him. The first businessman sent his assistant to the grocery store to buy a month's worth of provisions. He sent another assistant to a department store to buy new clothes. When they returned, he had all the purchases set up and displayed in the company's conference room. Then the businessman sent a third assistant to fetch the man and his family, and a fourth to summon the media. Amid flashing strobe lights, video cameras, and shouting reporters, the first businessman explained that the man's plight had touched his heart and, out of compassion, had generously supplied the bounty displayed in the room. Strangely enough, the man and his family seemed embarrassed by all the sudden publicity and the endless demands by the press to pose with the beaming businessman and his mountain of gifts. The second businessman saw the coverage on TV and in the newspapers, but his plan to help the man and his family was different. Instead of going to the grocery store or to the department store -- or the press -- he quietly visited the man's home. "I'd like to offer you a job," said the second businessman as he sat in the unemployed man's living room, sipping a cup of coffee. "But, sir," the jobless man protested. "I work a lathe and my legs have suddenly given out. I cannot stand in one place for more than a minute or two." The businessman smiled. "We have already made provision for your disability down at the shop," he answered. "Besides, you are an excellent lathe operator and the kind of man I am looking for. Do you want to work?" "Oh, yes sir. I want to be able to provide for my family without having to accept charity." "I thought that might be the case," the businessman replied. "I will give you a good job at a fair wage -- and no one needs to know how you got it except you and me. In fact, I would rather that you not tell anyone about our arrangement." "But," the jobless main said, still unsure, "I don't want you to go to any special bother to just to accommodate me. There are many lathe operators out there that can stand." The businessman stood up to leave. "It was a small price to pay, I assure you. I would rather have an excellent lathe operator that sits down than a poor one that stands up. By hiring you, both of us are blessed."
* * *
Copyright 2001 by Ed Price
|
|
|
