WANTING LESS
His grandson went abroad for his college studies. While in Europe he purchased a beautiful ceramic nameplate, handpainted with decorative touches surrounding his family name. It was a gift for his beloved grandfather.
When he came back to the States, the young man presented the precious gift to his grandfather. The old
man admired it, thanked the boy profusely, re-wrapped the nameplate, and placed it back in the box it came in.
“Grandfather, why don’t you hang up our family nameplate on the front door? I can help you.”
His grandfather replied. “The door on our house is old and rickety. It’s a simple home and if this beautiful piece of art is hung on the door, it will be a constant reminder that our front door is shabby and I should buy a new door to match the beauty of the
nameplate.
If I buy a new front door, it will be very noticeable that our home needs re-painting. And that would be another project to undertake. If I paint the exterior of the house and people come inside they will see the peeling paint inside, the worn carpeting, and the faded draperies.
Bit by bit desires for material things will continue to grow and consume me. I’ll never be satisfied. As they are now, I am happy with what I have. I am content in my comfortable home. I
can focus on what’s really meaningful and purposeful in life. I have no distractions or temptations from material desires.”
The grandson heard it all and understood what his wise grandfather was trying to teach him. It became a lesson he never forgot.
Beautiful objects can please the eye, but one must always be cautious, and consider the implications of ownership and display.
The best gifts are those that are beautiful to the soul.
