"Help, I’m in desperate need!"
Those were the first words the young man heard as he sat in his beautiful house behind his magnificent desk. After hearing all of the details of his friend’s plight, he immediately wrote out a generous check and drove to the post office in his brand new car and mailed it by express.
Weeks followed, and there was no reply from his friend, not even a thank you note.
"I’m so glad to see you," said the minister to the young man.
"You have been so generous in your tithes, but right now I need your leadership for a fund raiser to finish our new recreation hall." Our hero poured himself into the task, not only raising money, but also volunteering his talents in the various work parties that were required. He knew how important this project would be for the countless youths who needed a healthy, safe place to exercise and socialize.
The project was finished in record time. However, when the church bulletin came out, there was a glowing tribute to the minister and the major financial contributors. Due to "an editorial oversight," there was no mention of our young man.
That Sunday could have been very depressing except for the fact that his loving wife and three delightful children threw a surprise birthday party for him.
The following week, he was leaving his place of business after another fantastically successful day when one of his colleagues asked the young man if he could drive him to a town 100 miles away to pick up a new car. Despite the weariness he felt, he canceled his plans for a quiet dinner with his wife and granted the favor.
One month later, he learned that some jealous people had created vicious gossip about him in an attempt to slow down his rapid climb up the ladder of success. What was really disturbing was the fact that the main culprit had been the recipient of the 200-mile kindness.
After telling his wife of his recent promotion, he also complained about the recent negative incidents.
"I just don’t understand the rules," he said. "It seems no matter what I do, I end up with no gratitude, no recognition and not even any loyalty." ...Continue
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