The Gift
A young man was getting ready to graduate from college.
For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer’s showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.
As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car.
Finally, on the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible.
Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said, “With all your money, you give me a Bible?” and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book.
Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him.
He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.
When he arrived at his father’s house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search his father’s important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible, and began to turn the pages.
As he read those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer’s name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words … PAID IN FULL.
Unknown Author - Please Comment if you know the author so credit can be given
I have read this before and it got to me now, just as it did then.
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Beautiful & tragic simultaneously…
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beautiful and true. sometimes when our expectations are selfish, we get disappointed. and in anger we became blind to love. thanks for sharing
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Wow! Very powerful! Thanks!
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Reblogged this on colouryourdream and commented:
This story touched me and I thought of people who live their lives with unforgiveness and also they never unwrap the gift God has given them. It’s a tragic but true story. Sometimes we think something of a person which is not true: like the son thought his dad “only” gives him the bible – he was so dissappointed in him that he didn’t even open the gift properly – the son just assumed something what was not true. This story tought me not to assume things but to really look “into” the situation and in people’s heart. And also to be grateful for everything – especially the peopel I have in my life. This story makes me sad thinking the son never had the chance again to say thanks to his Dad.
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Reblogged this on africasiaeuro and commented:
This story should be read.. It may change your views.. Thanks to the one who posted it.
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Pretty sad that he left it too late…
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I had a moment that resembles that situation, though on a much lesser scale.
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You never get that minute back. And it haunts you for decades.
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Great gifts come more often than not enwrapped in the most inconsipcuous package.
Tks for this story!
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First heard this one many years ago, never forgot it. Thanks for the reminder.
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Lovely story. I had not read this one before. Thank you for posting
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Reblogged this on Godsson1's Blog and commented:
This the second time I reblogged this I just love it….
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Excellent story! Thanks, Kenny T! 🙂
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sad but good
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The Bible is my biggest treasure. I lost mine once at a convention. Someone picked up my overnight bag at check in thinking it was theirs. I fretted and stewed over that Bible! I could replace a toothbrush, etc but not the notes in that Bible. I checked lost and found for three days and finally at check out, once more. There is was! I still have that Bible and use is now and then. Large print is better for me now. It is my treasure too.
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That is a wonderful story! Thank you for sharing it!
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Guilt trip! Nevertheless, it’s always a good thing when the lost son comes home.
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I was going to make a longer comment but honestly, “Paid in full” says it all. Thanks for sharing and warming my heart.
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This is such a sweet and moving story. ❤ It's also sad though. It tells you to appreciate what
you have in front of you. Never to take ANYTHING for granted. A relationship with your family
is not worth a car.
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*Sigh….sometimes, I just wish all inspirational messages can come with a happy ending…It is well.
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This story reflects the grace of God. Too many of us get angry at Him for not giving us what we want, when He knows what and when we need it. An attitude of trust and thanksgiving opens the door for us to receive God’s tresures.
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Tears and goosebumps. Thank you for sharing.
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