Bob Reveals The True Treasure

Once upon a time, there lived a farmer named Shane. He used to work in the fields day and night to feed his large family.

Once, severe rain and hail destroyed his produce. With little food and money to just last a few days, Shane was in a desperate situation. Other farmer families in his village were also in similar condition.

Moreover, the people in the village did not trust each other. They were not ready to help others with the little savings they had.

He knew he had to do something fast. Through a public announcement, he came to know about a contest in a nearby town. The competition required the participant to spend an entire night in a freezing shallow pond.

Shane knew it was almost an impossible task.

But desperate times call for desperate measures.

This was his best bet to pass through the troubled times. He gave his name for the contest.

Just a night before the D-day, he met his childhood friend, Bob, and told him the whole story.

After thinking for a moment, Bob said, "I can help you with this. When you dip yourself in the cold water of the pond, I will burn a fire nearby. Concentrate on fire with full intensity.

But there is a condition. If you win this competition, I'll ask you for something in return, and you got to do that."

Shane understood Bob will ask for his share of the money. He didn't know how concentration would help, but he agreed.

On the night, as planned, the moment Shane entered the pond, Bob lit a fire near the pond.

Shane felt warm under his feet. Right from the fire, an insulated wire was heating an insulated plate under Shane's feet. It was not the best arrangement, but Shane's will along with a little help and some luck worked.

He successfully spent the entire night in the pond. Bob had planned well and had got to know the complete plan of the contest, including the location where Shane was supposed to stand in the pond.

After receiving the money, Shane went running to his friend. Shane showed the money to his friend and said, "My friend, had you not helped me, I would not have won the competition. I need just a little. You can keep the rest."

Bob smiled and said, "My friend, I don't need this money; neither do I deserve it. You won it, so you keep it.

The condition I put out was not for money. The fire was very far away. You never knew my plan, but still, you trusted me with your life!

It was just your confidence in me, which allowed you to go ahead with the contest. You won your money, and I won your trust.

My condition is simple. Pay it forward. Help someone else in need with whatever you think is extra."

It was a pleasant surprise for Shane. He realized his friend, Bob, was a gem. He went to his village and helped other farmers and families who were suffering from the same fate.

In doing so, he won the trust of the village and got elected as head of the village community. He understood the value of trust and executed his duties diligently.

Under his guidance, the entire village transformed, comprising people who trusted and helped each other in need.

Bob had taught Shane a valuable lesson in unconditional love and friendship that changed not only his life but that of all inhabitants of the village.

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Genuine friends are rare gems in life.

The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him.

 - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Friendship, indeed, is the true treasure.