A young man crossed the desert with a gift\u2014a flask of water for the old teacher who had once saved his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The journey was long. The heat harsh. By the time he arrived, the water had turned bitter from the leather pouch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still, the teacher drank. He smiled. \u201cIt is the sweetest water I\u2019ve tasted.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Later, another student tasted it and spat it out. \u201cMaster, the water was foul!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The teacher said simply,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou tasted the water.
I tasted the gift.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Years later, that young man became a teacher himself. And whenever he received a wrinkled note, a wildflower, or a broken toy from a child\u2026 he smiled, drank it in, and said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you. This is perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gratitude sees what eyes miss.
It feels the heart beneath the hand.
When you give with love or receive with thanks\u2014
You touch the Divine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n