The Only Wish
There was a peaceful village near Guilin, China, where lived Wei, an so much of dream farmer. He wished to expand his rice paddies, learn English, travel to Beijing, and build a new mill to process rice.
But one winter, Wei caught an viral disease and fell in to a long stay in bed. Day followed day, and his strength waned, and all the majestic hopes which filled his mind were gone. He yearned for only one thing: to regain his health.
One afternoon, Chen, his old friend, visited him. Looking at Wei so quiet, Chen spoke softly,
"You used to have a lot of wishes, Wei. Where have they all gone?"
Wei smiled weakly and said,
"A healthy man has many desires, my friend. But a sick man has but one."
A few months later, when Wei had regained his health, he strolled out into his fields under the spring sunshine. He stood there, breathing deeply, humble and thankful — aware that his health was the land in which all the rest of his dreams might take root.
One afternoon, Chen, his old friend, visited him. Looking at Wei so quiet, Chen spoke softly,
"You used to have a lot of wishes, Wei. Where have they all gone?"
Wei smiled weakly and said,
"A healthy man has many desires, my friend. But a sick man has but one."
A few months later, when Wei had regained his health, he strolled out into his fields under the spring sunshine. He stood there, breathing deeply, humble and thankful — aware that his health was the land in which all the rest of his dreams might take root.
