Apparently, we can all use a lift now and then. I’ve been getting some very favorable feedback concerning our new “Need A Lift” blog category. I guess it’s nice to have a resource we know we can always count on to find a little inspiration when we’re having a tough week, a long day or even a challenging moment now and then. So here’s another little story, based partially on fact, that we hope may bring a smile to your face or at least a moment of inspiration into your busy life. If it works for you, please pass it on.
One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to work his way through school found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal, he requested a drink of water.
She thought he looked hungry so she brought him a large, cool glass of milk. He drank it slowly and then asked, “How much do I owe you?”
“You don’t owe me anything,” she replied. “Mother has taught us never to accept pay for kindness.”
He said, “Thank you from my heart!” As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in a greater power and his fellow man was strong as well. He had been just about ready to give up and quit.
Years later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city where they called in specialists to study her rare disease.
Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor’s gown, he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day on, he gave special attention to the case.
After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge, and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was certain it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all.
Finally, she gathered enough nerve to open the envelope and something immediately caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words:
“Paid in full with one glass of milk.”
Dr. Howard Kelly
About Harry K. Jones
Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.