Between the great things we cannot do and the small things we will not do, the danger is that we shall do nothing. ~Adolph Monod
In ancient times, a king had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king’s wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it.
Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the big stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. On approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. As the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many others never understand that every obstacle presents an opportunity of growth and progress, if only we are tolerant and perseverant.
In life, we are presented with similar obstacles. Whether we blame someone for it and complain about it or like the peasant we take responsibility for it is a matter of choice. If we are wise and take up responsibility for the obstacles presented to us, we are sure to find gold when the obstacle is gone!
Radhanath swami points out that we need to be tolerant and determined to achieve success in any sphere of our life and never be discouraged by the inevitable obstacles that come on our path. All impediments are like rocks in the river of life. We should flow around them and never give up. With the Lord’s help, there is always a way.
