SEEKING FORGIVENESS

BY GO GUY:

There was a certain old wise man in a certain land. People all over the land came to him for various words of advice, counsels and wisdom; He was always respected by anyone that came in contact with him. Also in the same land, lived another certain old man that was envious of the wise sage, he never saw anything good about him. And he would wait along to slander the Old sage at every opportunity that presented its self. This went on for several years, even to the knowledge of the old wise sage, but he did or said nothing in retaliation against the envious old man to defend himself. He just however, walked quietly throughout the land like a deaf man and was even more respected by some people.

Then one day, the envious old man came to his senses. He realized that he had been wrong all along; despite all what he did to mar the reputation of the old wise sage he was still loved by many. So one day, he decided to go straight to the latter and apologize for all the wrong things he had said about him. And so he did.

Immediately he got to the house of the wise sage, the slanderous old man went down on his knees and began to apologize and seek the sage’s forgiveness. In response the sage quietly urged him to stand, and the former asked if he had been forgiven.

“There is just one thing,” said the sage, “that you will need to do in order for me to fully forgive you.”

“What is it wise old friend?” he continued, “Just tell me. I am ready to do anything to make things right between us.”

“Okay. By this time tomorrow, come to me with a calabash full of fine flour and I will tell you what to do next.”

Immediately, the slanderous old man rose to his feet, he thanked the other old man in advance and promised to return the next day with the said items. As he headed back home, he felt some bit relief and began to smile; he was very determined to mend fences within him and the old wise one.

Just about the same time the next day, the slanderer arrived with the said items and was about to hand over the calabash full of white flour to the sage when the later replied, “No. Still there is just one more thing for you to do.”

“What is it?” he asked eagerly, “I will do just as you say.”

“Now,” continued the sage, “you will go to the top of the Kangaroo cliff, and pour out the contents of the calabash on the face of the rock. Then quickly return to me with the calabash and I will tell you what to do next in order for me to fully forgive you.”

And immediately the former enemy went and did as instructed then returned to the sage tired. “I have done as you said wise one,” he said wearily, “I hope my sins have now been forgiven?”

“Just one more other thing,” replied the sage, “and all what you said about me would be a thing of the past. Please don’t be tired old friend, but I want you to come just one more time tomorrow with your empty calabash and I will tell you what to do finally.”

 TO BE CONTINUED >>