How Much?

How Much?

Do to others as you would like them to do to you.

Luke 6:31

One day in the East Indies, Georges Clemenceau—“The Tiger”—of France was wandering along the main street of a small village, passing time and shopping for Christmas gifts for his friends and family. The little shops along the street offered a variety of trinkets, antiques, and fine artwork for sale, and Georges strolled from shop to shop, looking in the decorated windows.

In one shop window he noticed a small statuette that he liked, so he entered the shop and said to the dealer, “I like your statuette. How much is it, please?”

“Because it’s you,” the shopkeeper answered, “seventy-five rupees.”

“Because it’s you,” responded Georges, “I’ll offer you forty-five rupees.”

The shopkeeper raised his hands to heaven in pretend horror. “Forty-five rupees! You’re making fun of me! What if anyone happened to hear of it?”

“Forty-five rupees,” repeated Georges firmly.

The indignant shopkeeper retorted, “Impossible! I would rather give it to you.”

“Agreed!” said Georges, taking the statuette and stuffing it into his pocket. Then he said, “You are extraordinarily kind, and I thank you. But it is quite evident that this gift can only come from a friend to a friend. Consequently you won’t consider it amiss if I in turn make you a gift?”

“Naturally not,” said the shopkeeper with a slight smile.

“Well, friend, here are forty-five rupees to use in good works,” said Georges, handing him the money.

The shopkeeper took the rupees, and the men shook hands and parted ways, completely enchanted with each other.

Thank you, Father, for the wonderful gifts you give us every day. In return, I give you the gifts of my heart and my life. Please use them to do good works for others and for your glory. Amen.