Destiny's Book

The old man sits beneath the Truth Tree, reflecting on his life, remembering his every journey.  He realizes how fortunate he has been, having known much love and cherished friendships.  A village elder, one of greater years than himself, approaches him and the old man rises in greeting.

'Hello, my friend," says the older man as he takes a seat as well. He continues, "You seemed to be deep in thought and I wished not to disturb you, but I was concerned that perhaps you were troubled."

"No, not troubled. I was merely remembering moments from the past, revisiting events in my life, and taking mental notes for myself and for those who may wish to hear what I have discovered," the old man says.

"What have you discovered, my son?" the elder asks with a twinkle in his eye.

The old man smiles at his elder and then says, "I have discovered that my life has been very full and I have been most fortunate."

The elder nods and asks, "Is that all?"

"No, it is not. I have always known that our lives are a collection of moments, a journal of words, and an endless stream of visions and dreams.  Today, as I sat here and reminisced, I realized that each of those moments was an opportunity to turn a page in destiny's book, an invitation to revise where my tomorrows would find me.  The old maestro spoke to us many times of making choices and changes, and though I listened I do not believe I understood until just now the wisdom of his words, the enormity of the gift he gave us," the old man says very earnestly and then sighs.

"You seem sad.  Why is that?" the elder asks.

"It took me so long to truly understand.  I feel as though I have let the maestro down," he reveals to the elder.

"My son, you have not let him down at all. I can assure you he is quite pleased that you now do understand.  It is not written in our life's book that we must know of these things by a certain time or that we even must know it at all.  The discovery is for us to make on our own. Then, and only then, can we note this in our book of destiny.  It is not done for praise but as a reminder to us lest we forget. Embrace your journey, continue to collect your moments, and always seek honesty and truth in yourself. You have done well this day," the elder says as he begins to rise.

"Sir, perhaps you should be the one who teaches our young ones and speaks to the people of our village," the old man says quietly.

"No, my son, I should not be.  It must be you for you are open to change, accepting of your humility, and willing to question yourself as you learn and grow," the elder says. He begins to walk away.  He turns once more to say, "And the maestro is very proud of you this day. A wood gatherer, a silent star in a cloudless sky, has shown him such worthiness to be following in his footsteps."

The old man watches the elder touch the Truth Tree's trunk, hears him whisper, "Good bye, my friend," and then walks into the forest.  He remembers another old man who made the same journey and realizes the gift he has just received. "I will not let you down, Sir," the old man whispers as tears of realization coarse down his cheeks.  He whispers once more, "I will not let you down."

Upon the wind he hears a small chuckle and then, "I have never doubted you, my son."  More tears come as the old man rises to walk to the village.  His learning and sharing time is not done.  He still has many more pages left to turn in destiny's book. And, it is good!