Trust: A Lesson from the Pews
Dear friends, today I’d like to share a story with you, a story that has shaped my understanding of a fundamental human virtue: Trust. It’s a tale that takes us back to the humble setting of a small-town church service, many moons ago.
The Sunday Service
As a young lad, I used to attend the Sunday service at our local church. The church, with its towering steeple and stained glass windows, was a beacon of faith and trust in our community. One Sunday, our pastor, Reverend Johnson, decided to teach us a lesson about trust in a rather unconventional way.
Reverend Johnson’s Lesson
Reverend Johnson, a man of great wisdom and kindness, began his sermon with a question. “What does trust mean to you?” he asked. The congregation offered various answers, but none seemed to satisfy the Reverend. He then proceeded to call upon the youngest member of the congregation, a timid boy named Tommy.
Reverend Johnson handed Tommy a small, sealed box. He told Tommy that the box contained something precious and asked him to hold onto it until the end of the service. Tommy, although nervous, agreed. The Reverend then made a startling statement. He said, “I trust Tommy with my life.“
The Unveiling
As the service concluded, Reverend Johnson asked Tommy to return the box. With a sense of anticipation hanging in the air, the Reverend opened the box to reveal its contents – a single, fragile, glass heart. The congregation gasped. The Reverend then turned to us and said, “Trust is not about knowing what’s in the box. It’s about knowing the person holding it.“
Trust: A Lifelong Lesson
That day, we learned a profound lesson about trust. Trust is not about certainty or predictability. It’s about faith in the character and integrity of others. It’s about believing in their capacity to carry your glass heart with care.
So, my dear friends, as we navigate the journey of life, let us remember to place our trust not in the known, but in the people who have proven themselves worthy of it. And let us strive to be trustworthy, to be worthy of the glass hearts entrusted to us.
Until next time, remember: Trust is a gift. Cherish it, nurture it, and share it wisely.
Yours in wisdom,
Kev