In a retreat in India I heard this story: A good father died and his two sons mourned for him. They eventually opened his dearly guarded chest. They could not find a will and testament, so they decided to divide the contents of the chest fairly and equally. At the bottom of the chest they found a small jade box, and in it, wrapped in silken cloth, lay two rings. One was of shimmering gold with a large ruby mounted like a flame. It was glorious. The other ring had no glitter. It was a simple ring made of silver. The elder brother could not take his eyes from the ruby ring. The glow from the ruby burned in his eyes as he spoke to his younger brother with conviction. "Our father must have received this ring from his own father. This must be a family treasure passed from generation to generation and harbor great significance. This tradition must be continued, and as the elder, I must be its guardian." The younger brother took one solemn look at the ruby and agreed. He quietly placed the simple silver ring in his pocket. The younger brother thought, Father was a wise man. Why would he hide such a simple silver ring with one of precious gold and ruby? Why would he wrap them both in silk and keep them side by side in the jade box? When he was alone, he took the ring from his pocket and turned it slowly in his fingers. As he did, he saw fine writing on the inside of the ring. Closely examining it with a looking glass, he was able to read the inscription: "This too shall pass."
Many years passed and life brought both brothers what life brings - interesting times, wars and plagues, tough years and joyful years. The elder brother grew in wealth and posture but was consumed by plans and worries. He was gray and dull-eyed, his face carved with lines of bitterness and dissatisfaction. The family treasure, that precious ring, was long forgotten. In a moment of crisis, he had sold it to the local pawnbroker. The younger brother also had a family and a variety of business endeavors; some were good, others bad. But miraculously, life seemed to leave no mark on him, grace surrounded him, he remained youthful and agile, and his smile was his trademark. Even in the toughest times, he maintained an even keel, with the silver ring always there on his finger.
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