Once upon a time, in the chilly evenings, a king returned to his palace after a long day. As he entered, he noticed an elderly gatekeeper stationed at the grand entrance, wrapped in thin and worn-out clothing.
Concerned, the king approached the frail gatekeeper and asked, “Aren’t you feeling cold?”
The gatekeeper replied, “It’s very chilly, Your Majesty. But what can I do? I don’t have warm clothes, so I must endure.”
“I’ll go inside and send you my own warm cloak right away,” declared the king.
Grateful, the gatekeeper bowed to the king and expressed his heartfelt thanks. However, as soon as the king stepped into the warmth of the palace, he forgot his promise to the gatekeeper.
The next morning, at the palace gate, they found the lifeless body of the old gatekeeper, lying stiff on the ground. And nearby, etched into the frozen earth with his icy fingers, was a message: “King, I’ve been guarding in this fragile clothing for many years, but your promise of warm clothes last night took my life away.”
Supports can crumble, and hopes can shatter. It’s time to start living on your own strength. Throw away the crutches of support and test your strength!
Realizing his mistake, the king felt a pang of regret. He understood that promises should never be broken, especially when they concern the well-being of others. With a heavy heart, he vowed to honor his commitments and never forget the value of kindness and compassion.
