There was an old man who lived in a small village. He lived a humble life and had to carry water from the city well to his home each day as he did not have running water. He had a large bucket to carry the water in. When he filled the bucket with water it was very heavy and the journey home difficult. Most of the villagers noticed the man's struggle and just ignored him. They had their own problems and did not have time for his too. One day when he was struggling to carry the bucket home, a young man said to him "You are weak and pathetic old man why don't you give up and die." For days the old man struggled with the hurtful words doubting his own self. Shortly thereafter a stranger passed by. Seeing the old man struggle with the water he said let me help you carry that bucket for a while. The old man was grateful for his kindness and it gave him hope. But the next day the stranger was gone and he struggled as usual. Later another villager seeing the old man struggle said "Old man why don't you fill your bucket half full and make two trips. It will be easier for you." The old man took his advice to heart and for the next few days did as suggested by the villager. But his home was far from the well and carrying the water took a long time and he did not have time to complete his other chores. So, the old man went back to filling the bucket and once more struggled daily carrying the water home to his family. Then one day a woman approached the old man and said I have noticed that you struggle each day with that water. I have two smaller buckets here that I don't use and you can have them. Together they will carry more water than your one bucket. You can carry a bucket in each hand and the weight will be balanced and I think carrying the water will be much easier. The old man thanked her and indeed he had more water and carrying the water home was much easier. His life was better. I have found life is like this. Most people don't have time for you. Some only want to hurt you. Some help as they can. Some mean well but it just doesn't work out so good. Then there are those people whose kindness truly enriches our life.
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The Lessons Life Teaches, A Collection of Short Stories.
Short StoryThis is a collection of short stories about some of the lessons that life has taught me. Written and compiled by Dan Turner. Like my life, it is a work in progress.
