Rocks on the Road

Not long ago, I was remind of why we are careful and keep looking up at the hillsides around here when we are driving. There is one place near here called 'carwash rock'. Coming through that area this past weekend, I was reminded of the story below and so I share it with you.

Long ago there was a king who placed on one of his highways, a boulder. Then he hid himself nearby to wait and see if anyone would come along and remove the boulder from the roadway. Some of the wealthiest among his subjects, merchants and courtiers came to the boulder and simply walked around it. Many people loudly blamed the kings for not minding the condition of the roadway and keeping it clear, but did nothing to remove it themselves. Then came along a peasant, a poor farmer, pulling his load of vegetables. After struggle and toil the farmer finally moves the boulder out of the highway so that he could pass with his cart and vegetables. After he picks up his load he notices a purse on the side of the road with a note attached to it. Again he puts down his load and goes to the bag, retrieves the note and reads it. The note said that this bag contained many pieces of gold which the king gives to this man who took the time to remove the stone from the road. The peasant discovered that day what many of us need to learn: every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve his condition.