The Last Glass

Here is a story to illustrate a point to you:

In a third-world country, there had been a severe drought going on for five years. All the crops in the land had withered, all the animals had run off in hopes of food. All that remained of life was a little oasis with a few suffering vegetables and fruit-bearing shrubs.

A small village of about fifty people cautiously lived off the pond, knowing that their end was just around the corner. One morning, their chief looked at the pond, a puddle really, afraid of what he knew was true. Every villager had a simple glass; blown in times of prosperity. It had been months since any had drank a full glass, but today that would change.

Before anyone could take a sip from the water, the chief gathered his people and spoke to them, "Brothers and sisters, family and friends, we have been through much together. Times of joy and laughter. Times of danger and sorrow. We had all hoped that this too, would simply be a time, but there is no more denying that this is the end. We have done all that was possible, so we now know that this is God's will.

"Look friends, there is but a puddle remaining. We could all have a sip, and die in a few days. Or we could give the children one final bliss, and a small hope for a new future." The chief paused, dwelling in the bitter sweet moment. "Children, you may fill your glass one last time."

All the children ran to the pool, shrieking with delight, not quite understanding. All except for one boy who looked at his momma teary eyed. "Son, why do you cry?" she asked, "Enjoy that which has been given to you." So he filled up his glass. He was last, and his glass was really half mud.

Many children shared a little with an older sibling, some even half of their drink. All except the little boy. He couldn't stop watching this one old man die. One drink wouldn't save him, but it would ease his suffering. Filled with compassion, he filled the old man's glass full when he wasn't looking.

The little boy sat underneath a palm, trying to fall asleep for the last time. He took a final look at his glass, hopeful for a drop. What he saw almost made him shatter it. The glass was filled to the brim with crystal clear, cool water.