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The Courier and the Billionaire
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Once there was a courier who worked for an eccentric billionaire, delivering envelopes and small packages. The billionaire paid him very well, his only stipulation being that the courier discharge his mission responsibly and with courtesy and cheer.
The arrangement was a good one for the courier, and he kept the job for a number of years. At the end of the billionaire's life, the tycoon called the courier in to see him, and asked, 'Do you know what you've been delivering all these years?
The courier says, 'No, sir. I've wondered at times, but you never told me and I simply never asked. I never even knew whether I was bringing people great fortunes or ruining their lives. My job was just to get the packages and envelopes to their destinations and to behave according to your instructions.'
The billionaire said, 'Remarkable. You never even looked.Would
you like me to show you what you were delivering? '
He picked up a
box from a coffee table in front of him and cut the taped ends. He pulled out the flaps and pointed the opening toward the courier,
who now saw that the box was empty.
'Nothing! ' said the billionaire, emitting a bellow of laughter from
deep within himself. 'All these years I was merely training you to be
loving and cheerful, to spread joy to those you encounter. The
packages themselves were all empty boxes.' He was silent, beaming at the courier for what the latter felt to be a
long time.
'You've done your job well, ' the old man finally went on. 'I've kept tabs. The receptionists and shipping agents you've dealt with report that they look forward to your deliveries. They enjoy hearing you sing quietly as you get out of your car. They love the anecdotes you tell sometimes about a little thing that's happened that day. They love your smile and your laugh, and especially the fact that you listen to them when they have something to say.'
'Now I'll tell you another secret, ' the old man leaned closer. 'The agents and receptionists were instructed to pass anything you delivered on to a special agent at each company, one whose position was maintained and whose salary was paid all these years by me! The heads of these corporations were all personal friends of mine, and they indulged me. These special agents promptly destroyed all boxes and envelopes delivered by you.'
'So you see, my sole purpose in employing you was to train you as a perfect servant. Your training is complete now. You do not need any more training. Whatever you decide to do from now on will express the qualities you've developed over all these years.'
' I believe that I've paid you well enough that you are no longer in financial need of your job.'
'Yes, sir, ' said the courier. 'To tell you the truth, I did it the past few years just because it was enjoyable.'
'Well, ' said the billionaire. 'You may do as you wish. My work is finished. Long ago I vowed to train one person in love and service, and then move on.'
The courier suddenly realized his fortune. He bowed his head and brought his folded hands to his forehead. He could not see, though, if his longtime employer was smiling or bowing in kind, or indeed if the words 'move on' might mean the old man had taken leave of his body right then and there. Too many tears were blurring the courier's vision.
Max Reif
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