It was true that our company had finally managed to acquire a large contract, but things still weren’t going the way we’d have liked.Although everyone was working very hard the results weren’t comparable to the efforts. Additional financing was urgently needed.Without these funds,the company would be unable to increase production to meet the necessary requirements of the contract. There was even the possibility of having to dissolve the corporation, but I didn’t like to think about that.
At our last meeting, Gideon had mentioned that he wanted me to meet with one of his friends in the Big City. If there was a possibility that it could lead me to the proper contacts for a business loan, I was even more interested than before. If nothing came of it, at least I wouldn’t have left any stone unturned. It might even turn out that the meeting would be enjoyable and there were so few fun things I did these days. I thought I’d call Gideon and see if I could make arrangements to go with him soon to visit his friend.
As I searched my desk for his business card, the phone rang. Of course, it was Gideon. “I see that you’re ready to go to the Big City,” he said. “I’ll meet you in your parking lot at nine-thirty tomorrow morning.”Without waiting for a reply,he hung up.
At nine-thirty the next morning, I was walking toward my car in the parking lot when I spotted him. He was standing at attention near my car, waiting for me. Few things surprised me about this man these days. “Good morning, Gideon. Ready
to go?” I asked.
“Sure, let’s go. I’m positive you’ll have a fine morning,John,” he replied.
As we drove out of the parking lot, I jokingly asked,”Why do we have to use a car, Gideon? I mean, you’re able to traverse space and time. Let’s do it the easy way. Let’s arrive in the Big City instantaneously and avoid all the traffic.”
Those dark,piercing eyes narrowed as he answered. I’ll tell you a story.”
“Once upon a time in the ancient land of Bharat, there lived a Guru and his bramcharyas or, as you would call them, disciples. Each disciple was supposed to pick as his test a very difficult task to perform. He was to work exceedingly hard for several years to perfect himself in the task that he, himself, had set. There was this one disciple, somewhat brighter than the others yet, so very shy and timid.
“‘And what task have you set for yourself, my son?’asked the kindly Guru.
“‘Master,’answered the disciple, ‘I want to be able to walk on water. I will practice until I’m able to do it. To walk on water