A Parable of Life

A special author wrote an inspiring piece recently. "One Basic Rule for Everyone" By Marindavid the link is http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/803845/the_golden_rule_one_basic_rule_for.html?cat=34 After I read Davids piece I made one of those journey's down memory lane. I remember an ancient Shaman telling me a parable that has stuck with me ever since. Here is the story...

As a child of the time I was taken to work in my fathers store at an early age. I was assigned tasks suitable for my age and experience. I was also coached to watch the folks that came in and the inter-actions my father had with them. Many just stopped to listen to Father's wisdom a few even purchased a bit of furniture or a bit of upholstery material from our inventory.

The butcher stopped by early in the day. Father inquired about his wife's health and that of their new born son. I saw the butcher's eyes light up and chest puff out as he spoke of his wife and child. The next visitor was my favorite, the Editor of our local paper. What's happening today? was always his first question. Father and he discussed advertising, the weather, and of course the Cleveland Indians. Father often took his arm as he left saying "Give your wife a hug for me." almost in a whisper.

Most days I observed a special love between my father and the folks of our town. He helped many just by listening. One night we were starting to shut the lights off when a man came to the door. I noted his clothing was tattered and he had an odor that was unmistakable. He was a garbageman. Father greeted him in the same manner and with the same warmth as the Mayor or the Editor. They talked long and quietly as I tried to be patent and quietly wait. Mom was making kidney pie for supper and it was my favorite.

After the Garbageman had left I asked Father why he had spent so much time with him. It was obvious he didn't have the money to buy anything from us. My Father in all his wisdom sat me down on a bench and sat next to me. Quietly he explained the biggest concept of customer service I had ever learned. I treat all men with the same respect and love that I desire for myself and my family.

I thought this grand advice was limited to business and our friends at the temple. When I grew up and attended Harvard business school I learned different. One shy, humble professor preached this message for an entire quarter of school, Different words but the same message.

Many year later when I returned to my father's home for his funeral, I learned how far reaching his kindness truly was. The Rabi stopped by with a note from the Cardinal of the local Catholic Dioceses begging permission to celebrate Dad's memory with a special prayer service. The Zen Master from the Buddhist Temple also wanted to participate. The Shaman from the First Church of Bubba wanted to have his choir sing a special "Ode to Abe" The Episcopals, Baptists, every Christian Church in town even the Muslims were on board to celebrate Dad's life if we would allow them. Dad was the example of this "Golden Rule" when no one would listen to a little Jew that sold used furniture... not even his son.

Keep this story in your heart. Share it wit those you love but most of all live it with all your strength, hope, and love. "May God bless and keep you, show His face to you, have mercy on you, and give you the courage of a little Jew that sold used furniture...Mizpah. ;-}}>