When You Can Walk on Water, Take the Boat - Webs
When You Can Walk on Water, Take the Boat - Webs
When You Can Walk on Water, Take the Boat - Webs
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angements to go with him so<strong>on</strong> to visit his friend.<br />
As I searched my desk for his business card, <strong>the</strong><br />
ph<strong>on</strong>e rang. Of course, it was Gide<strong>on</strong>. “I see that you’re ready<br />
to go to <strong>the</strong> Big City,” he said. “I’ll meet you in your parking<br />
lot at nine-thirty tomorrow morning.” Without waiting for a reply,<br />
he hung up.<br />
At nine-thirty <strong>the</strong> next morning, I was walking toward<br />
my car in <strong>the</strong> parking lot when I spotted him. He was standing<br />
at attenti<strong>on</strong> near my car, waiting for me. Few things surprised<br />
me about this man <strong>the</strong>se days. “Good morning, Gide<strong>on</strong>. Ready<br />
to go?” I asked.<br />
“Sure, let's go. I’m positive you’ll have a fine morning,<br />
John,” he replied.<br />
As we drove out of <strong>the</strong> parking lot, I jokingly asked,<br />
“Why do we have to use a car, Gide<strong>on</strong>? I mean, you’re able<br />
to traverse space and time. Let’s do it <strong>the</strong> easy way. Let’s arrive<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Big City instantaneously and avoid all <strong>the</strong> traffic.”<br />
Those dark, piercing eyes narrowed as he answered.<br />
“I’ll tell you a story.”<br />
“Once up<strong>on</strong> a time in <strong>the</strong> ancient land of Bharat, <strong>the</strong>re<br />
lived a Guru and his bramcharyas or, as you would call <strong>the</strong>m,<br />
disciples. Each disciple was supposed to pick as his test a very<br />
difficult task to perform. He was to work exceedingly hard for<br />
several years to perfect himself in <strong>the</strong> task that he, himself,<br />
had set. There was this <strong>on</strong>e disciple, somewhat brighter than<br />
<strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs yet, so very shy and timid.<br />
“‘And what task have you set for yourself, my s<strong>on</strong>?’<br />
asked <strong>the</strong> kindly Guru.<br />
“‘Master,’ answered <strong>the</strong> disciple, ‘I want to be able to<br />
walk <strong>on</strong> water. I will practice until I’m able to do it. To walk <strong>on</strong><br />
water — that is my goal.’<br />
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