Angel grants blind man’s wish

Flashback of column written 12/9/09

The story is told of a poor blind man who lived in a small town with his wife, as the couple was childless. Even though the man faced many difficulties, he lived an exemplary life.

One day, an angel appeared at the man’s door. The angel said, “You have very little but you have shown great faith. Because of this, you will be granted one wish and only one wish. I will return tomorrow to receive your wish.”

The man was stunned. When he told his wife what happened she said, “Ask for sight; then you will be able to see me for the first time.” The man knew he wanted sight, but he also knew he wouldn’t be satisfied with just sight because he wanted it all.

When he told his relatives what happened, they said, “Ask for children. They will be a source of joy forever.” The man knew he wanted children, but he also knew he wouldn’t be satisfied with just children because he wanted it all.

When he told his friends what happened, they said, “Ask for money. Money will buy you happiness.” The man knew he wanted money, but he also knew he wouldn’t be happy with just money because he wanted it all.

The man thought and thought and thought. When the angel appeared at his front door the next day, the man told the angel his wish. “I wish to see my children eating off golden plates.” The wish was granted, so the man, his wife and family lived happily ever after.

Cecil B. DeMille was one of the most successful filmmakers of all time, famous for his grand epics, including “The Ten Commandments.” He championed the switch from short to feature length films and is often credited with making Hollywood the motion picture capital of the world.

Not all of his financial backers were impressed by his dedication to making the film right at all cost. When told that investors were becoming concerned about the rising cost of “The Ten Commandments,” DeMille replied, “What do they want me to do? Stop now and release it as ‘The Five Commandments?’ Money should not be an object when creating a Bible epic.”

A story is told about the young salesman who approached a farmer and began to talk excitedly about the book he was selling. “This book will tell you everything you need to know about farming,” he said. “It tells you when to sow and when to reap. It tells you about weather, what to expect and when to expect it. The book tells you all you need to know.”

“Young man,” the farmer said, “that’s not the problem. I know everything that is in that book. The problem is doing it.”

James Thurber, short story writer and columnist for The New Yorker, was once offered a writing job by Sam Goldwyn who offered $500 a week, but Thurber rejected it because he was happy working at The New Yorker.

Goldwyn wrote back raising the offer to $1,000 a week, then $1,500 and finally $2,000. Each time, Thurber responded that his boss had met the increase. Several months later, Goldwyn wrote Thurber again offering only $1,500. Thurber declined the offer saying his boss had met the decrease.

A golfer called the Chicago Golf Club and explained that he was playing the 100 greatest courses and desperately needed to add the club to his list. The club was very private but agreed to allow him to play under these special circumstances.

After the round was finished, a member asked the man, “By the way, how many courses do you have left to complete the 100 greatest?” “Ninety-nine,” the golfer replied.

Four little words sum up what has lifted most successful individuals above the crowd: a little bit more. They did all that was expected of them and a little bit more.

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