Dig Gold

I always had the habit of telling people about my plans but after I have blurted them out, I go home, toss and turn and berate myself for doing what I had just done. Its not because of the people I told it to, but its just the innate thought that something is out there from me for people to discuss about. So many times, I have discussed my plans and they never seem to take place. Some think I am too superstitious but I just feel like when you are keeping something for yourself that involves only or mostly yourself, it is a sacred thing. You treasure it, you pray for it, you yearn for it. It is a pure wish. But once it goes out of your thoughts, out of your prayers into other people's minds, there just seem to be some negative vibes that would affect it because generally, people are always jealous of yout to achieve something better for yourself or that you become better than them as a result. I know it seems sad that I have no trust in the inherent goodness of people but come to think of it, was there every really anyone who was never jealous of you, what you do or what you try to achieve? I have seen all sorts of people and most of them just want to use you for what you can give or what they can take out of you.

I remember my Dad's story about a guy (we'll name him Pete) who was so poor and God wanted to help him. Pete was being put to a test on how determined he is to do something or achieve something with God. God told him to go this certain place by himself. "Do not tell anybody where you are going or what you will be doing. This is between me and yourself." He arrived at the place and God told him, underneath this plot after two digs with your bare hands is a huge sum of money and gold. You will dig it until you will find something that will tell you it is time to stop digging because you have all what you needed for yourself and your family. I forgot what the thing was. God said, no one knows you are here except for Me. I know you did not tell anybody. God said, the Devil will tempt you. I only have one request for you. When you start digging do not look back, voices will be there to call you but they are not real. They are just distractions. If you look back, all the money and gold you will dig will turn into salt.

So Pete swore to God and started digging. True, after just two digs using his bare hands, he found gold. He kept digging, he was thinking of how he can now send his children to school. How he can buy beautiful dresses for his two daughters who have been wearing shabby clothes for several years now. He was imagining how he can buy shoes for his little boys. He was thinking now he can buy a stove for his wife so that he did not need gather woods to start the fire to cook their food. He was happy. He has had a pile of gold and money when suddenly, he heard someone call his name. "Pete, what are you doing there?" It was his friend Josh. He stopped digging and listened. Then he remembered what God said. So he continued digging. By now he had like a small pile of money and gold. He kept digging. Then he heard his wife call him "Pete, what are you doing there? Are you crazy?" But, then he thought, no my wife doesn't know I'm here and this place is so far away. She could not be calling to me. So he continued digging. By now it looks like he's got a sack of gold and money already. He was sweating. He was thirsty. But he continued digging. It was only fifteen minutes after all. So he dug some more. He didn't know it would only be a few more digs till he had to stop and go home with all the money and gold. But then, another voice called onto him. "Daddy, what are you doing?" He did not reply. He continued digging. Then he heard laughter, somebody was laughing at him "Look at Pete, he is crazy, he is digging a pool of mud." He looked at what he was digging, it was money and gold. But he was confused why people behind him see it as mud. Then he heard more laughter. He was getting mad. He thought everything was a joke. He stopped digging and he looked back behind him. He could not see anybody. It was just grass and the dimness of the night. When he looked back at what he had dug, everything was salt. Just this huge mound of white crystals salt.

So, what is the moral of the story?