Once upon a time in a small village, there lived a hardworking mason named Sam. Day after day, he toiled under the sun, building walls and structures for anyone who needed his services. Sam was known for his dedication and craftsmanship, and people from the village would often hire him for various construction projects.
One day, a wealthy merchant named Mr. Thompson hired Sam to build a sturdy wall around his mansion. Sam, eager to earn his keep, worked tirelessly, putting his heart and soul into the project. As the days passed, the wall began to take shape, a testament to Sam’s skill and effort.
When the time came for Mr. Thompson to pay Sam for his hard work, the merchant handed him a sum that seemed far too little for the labor Sam had put in. Perplexed and disheartened, Sam questioned the merchant about the meager payment.
Mr. Thompson, looking indifferent, replied, “I am only paying you for the hours you worked. I can’t pay you more than that.”
Feeling dejected, Sam walked away from Mr. Thompson’s mansion and found solace under a nearby tree. As he sat there, contemplating his situation, an apple suddenly fell into his lap. Surprised, Sam looked up and noticed an old apple tree standing tall above him.
Curious, he asked the tree, “Why did you give me this apple? What have I done for you?”
The apple tree, with its branches swaying gently in the breeze, responded, “I don’t give because you’ve given me anything in return, nor do I expect anything from you. It is simply my nature to provide without asking for anything in return.”
Sam pondered the tree’s words and began to see the beauty in the simplicity of nature. He realized that throughout his life, he had received countless gifts – the air he breathed, the shade of the tree, and the fruits of the earth , none of them expected any payment in return.
In the course of our lives, we often become engrossed in the give-and-take dynamics, overlooking the priceless blessings that life freely bestows upon us. Have we truly done anything to warrant these gifts? Can we not approach our work, whether it be our profession or tending to our homes, with a sense of gratitude—not merely for the compensation received but for the chance to contribute our skills to the world?
Is it not possible to derive fulfillment not solely from the monetary rewards we earn but from recognizing the intrinsic value of our efforts and embracing the simple joys that life generously presents? By doing so, we can lead a more enriching and appreciative life.
INSPIRATION 