A story makes it easy to put things  perspective

For stories can reach the heart of man.

I am sharing such a story from my  social media forwards  this morning…

A guru asked a married young man to stand up during one of his speeches.

The Guru said:

“Imagine you are walking on a beach. A young, beautiful woman is walking toward you.
What would you do?”

The young man immediately replied:

“I would look at her, admire her personality and appreciate her.”

The Guru asked:

“After she walks past, would you look back at her?”

The young man said:

“Yes, if my wife isn’t with me.”
(Everyone in the crowd laughed)

The Guru then asked again:

“How long do you think you’ll remember that beautiful face?”

The young man smiled and replied:

“Until I see another beautiful face… Maybe 5-10 minutes.”
(And he smiled again.)

Then the Guru said to him:

“Now imagine this… As you leave this place, I give you a package of books.
I ask you to deliver this package to a wealthy man who lives 75 kilometers away.

You reach his house to deliver the books. From the moment you see the house, you realize he’s a billionaire.

There are 10 cars in the veranda of his mansion, and 5 security guards standing outside.

Once you send word of your arrival, the honorable man himself comes out to welcome you.
He receives the book package from you.

As you’re about to leave, he politely invites you inside.

He sits beside you, offers you hot tea and food.
He treats you with kindness and thanks you sincerely for delivering the books so quickly.

As you get ready to return, he asks how you came.
You say, ‘By local train.’

Immediately, he calls his driver and asks him to drop you at your destination in one of his luxury cars.

When you reach your destination, the billionaire calls you and asks,
‘Brother, did you reach comfortably?’”

The Guru then asked:

“Now tell me, how long will you remember this man?”

The young man replied:

“Guruji, despite being such a wealthy man, because of his humble and loving behavior,
I could never forget him in my lifetime.”

Addressing the room full of youngsters, the Guru said:

“This is the reality of life.
A beautiful face will be remembered for a short time.
But a beautiful character will be remembered for a lifetime.

Instead of focusing on the beauty of your face or body,
focus on the beauty of your behavior.

That’s what will make your life interesting, unforgettable, and inspiring to others.”

Moral:
Outer beauty fades with time, but inner beauty—your character, your kindness—leaves a lasting impression.