There once was a great teacher whose time came to leave this world. All students were called to his deathbed. One by one they bent over his frail body and listened intently as he told them what their special tasks would be when he was gone. Finally, it was the turn of the teacher’s closest student, whom the teacher knew and loved for many years.

“Your job,” the teacher whispered to him, “is to travel all over the world and tell stories about my life that will inspire people to see the truth.”

The student was disappointed. In those days it was a hardship to travel great distances. However, he was determined to obey the instruction. He said goodbye to his friend and teacher and asked, “Will this be my duty forever or only for a certain time?”

“You will know when you’ve completed your job,” the teacher replied.

For many years the student was diligent to fulfill what his teacher commissioned of him. Though experiencing the deep satisfaction that comes from fulfilling purpose, he longed to receive a sign that would announce the mission’s completion.

One day, he heard of a very wealthy man, living in a faraway town, who was reputed to pay well anyone who could tell him authentic stories. The student decided to embark on the long journey in hopes of improving his finances. He arrived in the town a few days later and went straight to the man’s house.

That evening the household gathered around the dining room table and all eyes were upon the student. “Speak to us,” the wealthy man said. “I believe you may know a story that I have waited a long time to hear.”

But alas, when the student opened his mouth to speak, he could think of nothing to say. His mind went completely blank. Over the years he told countless stories of inspiration and hope, now he could not remember even one.

In despair the student apologized and left the room. He returned to his weary horse and rode away. When he had gone several hours away, he suddenly remembered a story. He wrestled with whether to return, fearing the wealthy man might have him arrested if he came banging on the door in the middle of the night. He could think of so many reasons why not to return. But, finally he remembered his teacher’s instructions, and returned to the wealthy man’s house.

The man did open his door to the student. “I remember a story!” the student exclaimed. “But it’s one of the poorest stories in my repertoire. It’s based on my own experience and I don’t even know how it ends.”

“Never mind,” the man said, ushering the traveler into the living room. “Tell me your story.”

“Once there was a town ruled by a cruel governor. My teacher heard this man planned a massacre for the next day—so my teacher set off across the forest with his entourage in order to visit the governor to see if he could stop it.

When we arrived, my teacher had me to go and request an audience with the governor and bring him the message that my teacher would like to meet with him. I did as I was told.

The governor and my teacher met for several hours, but I never knew what was discussed. I do know the governor called off the massacre, left the town and was never heard from again. That’s all I can tell you.”

“That was me,” the man said. “I was the governor. I lived a terrible life and killed many innocent people. I thought there was no hope for me until I met your teacher. I resolved immediately to change my ways. I asked him how I would know when my correction was complete?”  He replied, “If ever a man comes to you and tells your story, then you’ll know you have done well.”

The wealthy man hugged the student and said, “That’s why for all these years I’ve been paying a fortune to hear authentic stories, in the hopes of hearing my own. When you left I was discouraged, because I thought you had the story I was looking for. I was not able to sleep since you left. My prayers must have been answered, for you remembered the story and you came back!”

COMMENT FROM CAROL:

In life “almost,” “good enough,” or even, “close enough” do not complete the journey. To persevere—to go the extra mile—may mean the difference between one’s purpose being fulfilled and another’s life finding transformation. Never give up on your purpose or transformation!