THE SON
Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion
for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art
treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others
adorned the walls of the family estate.
The widowed elder man looked on with satisfaction, as his only child became an experienced
art collector. The sons trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to
beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.
As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his
country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His beloved son was
missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing he would never
see his son again.
Within days, his fears were confirmed. The young man had died while rushing a fellow
soldier to a medic.
Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Easter holidays with anguish and
sadness. The joy of the season, a season that he and his son had so looked forward to,
would visit his house no longer. On Easter morning, a knock on the door awakened the
depressed old man.
As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls only reminded him that his
son was not coming home. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large
package in his hand. He introduced himself to the man by saying, "I was a friend of
your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I
have something to show you."
As the two began to talk, the soldier told of how the mans son had told everyone of
his fathers love of fine art. "Im an artist," said the soldier,
"and I want to give you this." As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper
gave way to reveal a portrait of the mans son. Through the world would never
consider it the work of a genius, the painting featured the young mans face in
striking detail. Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the
picture above the fireplace. A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, the old
man set about his task.
True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside thousands of
dollars of paintings. And then the man sat in his chair and spent Easter gazing at the
gift he had been given. During the days and weeks that followed, the man realized that
even though his son was no longer with him, the boys life would live on because of
those he had touched. He would soon learn that his son had rescued dozens of wounded
soldiers before a bullet stilled his caring heart.
As the stories of his sons gallantry continued to reach him, fatherly pride and
satisfaction began to ease the grief. The painting of his son soon became his most prized
possession, far eclipsing any interest in the pieces for which museums around the world
clamored. He told his neighbors it was the greatest gift he had ever received. The
following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in
anticipation.
With the collectors passing, and his only son dead, those paintings would be sold at
an auction. According to the will of the old man, all of the art works would be auctioned
on Easter day, the day he had received his greatest gift.
The day soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of
the worlds most spectacular paintings. Dreams would be fulfilled this day; greatness
would be achieved as many would claim "I have the greatest collection." The
auction began with a painting that was not on any museums list. It was the painting
of the mans son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent.
"Who will open the bidding with $100?" he asked. Minutes passed. No one spoke.
From the back of the room came, "Who cares about that painting? Its just a
picture of his son.
Lets forget it and go on to the good stuff." More voices echoed in agreement.
"No, we have to sell this one first," replied the auctioneer.
"Now, who will take the son?" Finally, a friend of the old man spoke.
"Will you take ten dollars for the painting? Thats all I have. I knew the boy,
so Id like to have it." "I have ten dollars. Will anyone go higher?"
called the auctioneer. After more silence, the auctioneer said. "Going once, going
twice. Gone." The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, "Now
we can get on with it and we can bid on these treasures!" The auctioneer looked at
the audience and announced the auction was over.
Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, "What do you mean
its over? We didnt come here for a picture of some old guys son. What
about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars of art here! I demand that you
explain whats going on here!" The auctioneer replied, "Its very
simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son
gets it all!"
Just as those art collectors discovered on that Easter day, the message is still the same
- the love of a Father - a Father whose greatest joy came from His Son who went away and
gave his life rescuing others. And because of the Fathers love
whoever takes
the Son gets it all.
Author unknown.