Sacrifice

"Well then, why the indebtedness?" I asked, curiously. His answer was as strange as what I had been feeling about the strange little man he wanted to see that day.

"I can't quite put my finger on it. All I know is from the day he looked into my eyes something inside me changed, and I started seeing life differently," he said.

"How do you mean 'differently'?" I asked, as we were seated at a table in the marketplace. The servant of the establishment poured us each a goblet of water as the old man spoke more about his experience.

"I seem to have more patience than I've ever had, and I also seem to love everybody," He said.

"Is that uncommon for you?" I asked.

"Well, I have never considered myself a rough individual, but I was a little pre-occupied with myself and my family," He replied ashamedly.

I couldn't see anything wrong with that. I thought about how much I love my wife, and I suppose there wouldn't be anything I would not do for her. When the day comes for children in our lives I am certain I will be a good father.

He continued, "I used to think I was a great father and husband, but I tell you, my wife has even noticed a change in me. She says I wake in the morning with a spring in my step, albeit not as strong as it once was, and also that things don't bother me like they used to. When she asks me why this is, I can only tell her what I am telling you. Something about that man made me feel better about myself. I have a peace that I did not have before our meeting." He then looked soberly into my eyes and said, "I doubt very seriously that our meeting was chance!"