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Very little is needed to make a happy life; It is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.

Marcus Aurelius

The Beggar and Stranger

One day a young man, full of life and vibrant energy, passed by a beggar sitting by the side of the road. Mechanically, without thinking, the beggar held out his begging-bowl and asked,

“Can you spare some change young man?”

The young man stopped and pondered the question, and the condition of the beggar.

“How long have you been sitting here, begging for money?” The young man inquired.

“Nearly thirty years!” Relied the beggar.

“How is it working out for you?” The young man asked, full of youthful innocence.

“Well, since you asked, not very well. I keep asking, and hoping, and begging, someone will give me money, so I can get what I need.” 

The young man observed the beggar was sitting on an old wooden box.

“What are you sitting on?” 

“Oh, this old box? This is nothing. It’s just an old box that has been my comfortable seat for thirty years.” Replied the beggar.

“Have you ever looked inside the box?” Questioned the young man.

“Why would I look inside? There is nothing inside for me.” The beggar said,

“You should take a look inside.” The young man said, full of enthusiasm, as he turned and continued to walk down the street.

The beggar decided he might as well look inside the box. After all, he had been sitting on the box for thirty years.

As the beggar opened the lid of the box, he was astounded to see the box was filled with gold.