The Will

THE WILL

An old man died leaving behind only a scrap of paper on which was written his will. Although he had accumulated much wealth, over the years he had given it all away. Yet rich was his legacy.  The will said:

  To my children I leave these things:

TRUTH—you only have to tell it once.

                  (A lie has many children.)

FREEDOM—from the desire for material gain or wealth above all else.

                       (Things break and are discarded and no amount of wealth 

                        can buy love or fidelity.)

PEACE OF MIND—that which comes from trying your hardest and doing your best,

                                   and from living comfortably with your neighbor and yourself.

                                   (Worry is the interest you will pay on the trouble you borrow.)

FRIENDSHIPS—although they require the best of what you can give to another, they

                              return much.

CHILDREN—little packages of love that need you, and especially your time.

                        (Never be too busy to appreciate your moments with them, they pass  

                         too quickly as it is.)

COURAGE—to do what is ethical and just.

                       (Though at times doing this may not be easy or comfortable or safe.)

WISDOM—which blossoms on the tree of experience, and is gained only from the  

                     struggle to become all that you can be.

FAITH—in those whom you love and who love you; and in yourself and your abilities.

HOPE—which is the foundation of your dreams and plans.

TRUST—in the goodness of others. 

                (Suspicion and distrust require much effort, and are often unfounded.)

KINDNESS—which you may receive as well as give. It bears much that is worthwhile.

                        (Unkindness will return only pain to you, many times over.)

KNOWLEDGE—not only that which leads to gain, but also that which guides 

                              and directs and enables you and those around you.

COMMON SENSE—which is made up of equal parts of knowledge, wisdom, and love.

GOOD HEALTH—soundness of body and mind.

                                 (Like a beautiful garden it needs to be carefully tended.)

PATIENCE—the mighty oak grows slowly from its acorn.

                       (Only weeds grow rapidly.)

BEAUTY—of which our world is filled.

                    (It costs only a few moments of appreciation.)

LOVE—when you give it away you receive much more in return.

               (To keep it to yourself will cause it to wither and die.)

            These things I leave with the hope                                               

                         that you will own them well and realize

                                    true happiness and success.

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