Obstacles or Opportunities

Long ago, in ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. He then hid himself and watched to see if anyone would move the boulder out of the way. Some of the king’s wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many people loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear. But none of them did anything about getting the stone out of the way. A peasant then came along carrying a heavy load. Upon approaching the boulder, he laid down his burden and tried to push the stone out of the road. After much pushing and heaving, he finally succeeded. After the peasant went back to pick up his load, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King explaining that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. Every obstacle in our way brings opportunities to make our life better. Some complain about the obstacles along their path. Others create opportunities through their generous spirit and a willingness to act.