Wash your Coal Basket Today
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An old farmer lived on his farm in the mountains with his young grandson . Each morning he got up early , sat at the kitchen table , and read newspapers & books . His grandson wanted to be just like his grandfather , so tried to emulate him in every way he could .
One day the grandson asked , “ Grandpa , I try to read just like you , but I don ’ t understand most of it , and whatever I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book . So what good is it doing me when i read the books ?
The grandfather , who was putting coal on the fire , quietly turned and said , “ Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water .” The boy did as he was told , but the basket contained a leak so the water leaked out before he could get the basket home .
The grandfather laughed and said , “ You ’ ll have to move a little faster next time ,” and he sent the boy back to the river to try again . This time the boy ran faster , but again the basket emptied before he was able to return home . Out of breath , he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket , and he went to get the bucket . But the old man said , “ I don ’ t want a bucket of water ; I want a basket of water . You ’ re just not trying hard enough .” He stepped out the door to watch the boy try for the third time . At this point the boy knew what he was trying to accomplish was impossible , so he decided to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could , the water would leak out before he got back to the house .
The boy dipped the basket into river and ran as hard as he could . When he reached his grandfather the basket was empty . He gasped , “ See grandpa ? It ’ s useless !”
“ So you think it is useless ?” the old man asked . “ Then look at the basket .” The boy looked and saw for the first time that the basket was different . It had been washed clean of the dirty coal stains and was now clean inside and out .
Grandson , that ’ s what happens when you read something . You might not understand or remember everything you read , but the words will change you inside and out .
WINSPIRE : Empowering youth | January , 2017