Legacy of Success

There was a certain wealthy man who lived in a certain town. He had just a son; when the boy grew up, he wanted to take over the father’s estate.

His father gave him a condition he must fulfil before he can hand over his multibillion-dollar business to him. The condition: Earn 10,000 dollars and show me the money.

The son sought help from his mother and brought the money to his father claiming he worked for it. His father collected the cash and threw it into the oven. The two watched until the whole money was burnt to ashes.

He admonished his son to go on and work for the money and bring it to him. The mother again gave him another $10,000 and told the boy to wait for some time, disguise and look worn out before seeing his father.

When he eventually met his father with the money, the old man was at the same spot close to the oven. The man took the cash and again threw it into the oven. The two men again watched the $10,000 burnt to ashes. Again, the man said, “Son, go work to save $10000 and show me. Only then will my inheritance will be yours.”

The boy was furious knowing that his father was determined on the condition of working and saving up $10,000 before he could have access to his inheritance.

Again, he met his mother for advice, as she was thinking of another option they could use to outsmart the old man, he suddenly told his mother not to worry, that he would go out and work to save the money for his father.

The boy travelled to another town where he could get employment, as no one believed him enough to hire him in their locality, the only son of a wealthy man doing a commoner’s job! He spent years denying himself of food, pleasure, good accommodation, designer wears and every comfort he was accustomed to as a rich man’s child just to save up the money for his father.

When he eventually came back home his mother could hardly recognise him. He has emaciated and looked ragged. Without much ado, he quickly went to present the money to his father who incidentally was seating at the very place close to the dollar-burning oven.

He presented his father the money he has saved with pains and hunger. The old man took the money again and threw it into the oven. But immediately, the boy dived headlong into the fire and rescued the money. He exclaimed, “Father! You can’t burn my sweat!”

The father replied, “You absolutely worked for this very one, son. Nobody will stand looking to see his effort being burnt to ashes, as you have done at the previous times your mother helped you.”

The old man, now satisfied with his son, willed all his wealth to him.

Morals:

1. People put value on things that cost them most.
2. Wealth gotten through easy ways will soon end up in the oven.
3. Before handing over your business to your child, first hand wisdom to him or her.
4. Like most of us with poor background, sometimes we denied our children valuable experiences they need to succeed in life by too much pampering, saying ‘I don’t want them to experience what I experienced’ forgetting that such conditions added up to make you what you are. Sometimes create artificial scarcity.
5. Don’t forget to share your story with your family. Your children will need it someday to solve life challenges
6. Wisdom and good name are the best inheritance you can give to your children.
7. The billion dollar wealth handed over to your children without character and morals will end up in the hands of your servants and maids that possess them.
8. Success is not taught in schools, but through hard work, dedication, courage, focus, perseverance, character, etc.

— Author Unknown

Meditation: Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase. – Proverbs 13:11

You will succeed in Jesus Name!