| Category: | Inspirational |
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There is an old story of the missionary who was traveling through the Himalayas with a guide in the bitter cold. Night was coming and the guide said, "If we don't reach the shelter by nightfall, we are in danger of freezing to death." Just as they came to a narrow path, they heard the cries of a man who had fallen over the edge. The guide said, "Do not stop. God has brought him to his fate. He must work it out himself."
The missionary replied, "God sent me here to help my brother. I cannot abandon him." The guide went on and the missionary climbed down a steep path. When he found the man, he saw that his leg was broken and he could not walk. The missionary made a sling from his blanket and tied the man to his back. He then began a body torturing climb. He made his way through the deepening snow. It was dark and it was all he could do to follow the path. He persevered, and faint with exhaustion, he finally saw the lights of the shelter. As he moved toward the light, he stumbled for the first time and nearly fell. He did not stumble from exhaustion, but over an object. As he brushed the snow off the object, he looked down and saw that it was the body of the guide.
Years later when a student asked him, "What is life's most difficult task?" He replied, "To have no burden to carry."
Opportunities to be of service are not burdens. On the contrary, they should be welcomed. They add appreciable purpose to our lives.