If you could leave behind only one thing what would it be? Wealth and possessions? Family heirlooms? For me those aren’t even in the running. Not only because I have few such things to leave behind. But above all, I hope to leave a lasting legacy.
Leaving a legacy
I may not be remembered for grand deeds or great wisdom. But I hope to be remembered as someone who, while not perfect, ackowledged her mistakes and failures and tried to overcome them. One who put others first and loved them more than money, things, or success, and who gave what she could.
And though I fall far short of that worthy goal, I am working to overcome my shortcomings. And to become a little more like the wise woman in the following story, The Wise Woman with a Stone.
The Wise Woman with a Stone
“A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food.
The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveler walked away, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime.
But a few days later he returned to give the stone back to the wise woman. “I have been thinking,” he said, “I know how valuable the stone is, but I am returning it in the hope that you can give me something even more valuable. Give me whatever it is within you that enabled you to give me the stone.” – Author unknown
We are not really told much about the woman in this parable. But if she been real, surely her life would have been simple, her possessions few. A simple mountain hut, her two feet to take her where she needed to go. A little food, a few clothes.
Then one day she found it. That precious stone, glistening in the sun. She knew its worth but she didn’t think about that – for she already possessed everything that she needed.
Security? It was hers, in as much as it can be anyone’s. The truly wise know that security is a fleeting thing. One event and like the snap of a finger, it’s gone. No, she had all that she needed for today, and that was all she could be sure of.
That precious stone meant nothing to her, because she was already rich. Not because of the stone – it made her no richer. But it was a beautiful stone, so she kept it. Just to look at and enjoy.
The legacy of true wealth
She already possessed the most precious riches: the riches of true contentment and generosity.
The greatest wealth of all are the gifts of true contentment and the willingness to give with abundant generosity.
Signora Sheila
This enabled her to give generously and without hesitation. She knew that the willingness to give is what makes us truly rich. And she knew that it is only through giving that things of greater value become ours forever. That’s the legacy I want to leave. The legacy that true wealth lies in contentment and generosity.
What I spent is gone; what I kept is lost; what I gave away will be mine forever.
Ethel Percy Andrus
Signora Sheila 
35 responses to “The Wise Woman with a Stone”
What a terrific parable Sheila. I’d never heard it before!
How’s ‘city life’ treating you?
LikeLike
It really is a great story. It really blessed me when I found it! Actually, the baby came early and we are now back in our little village. And very glad to be back home!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do love this, Sheila💜
LikeLike
Yes, it’s a terrific parable!!
LikeLike
So appreciate your heart, Sheila, expressed by your hopes: “”to be remembered as one who, while not perfect, owned up to her mistakes and failings and tried to overcome them. One who put others first and loved them more than money, things, or success, and who gave what she could.” The three grandparents that I knew during my growing-up years left a powerful legacy of selfless service to God, devotion to Him, kindness, generosity and more. I pray I might provide a worthwhile legacy of faith to my grandchildren!
LikeLike
Wow Nancy, that really is a legacy of worth! What a blessing to grow surrounded by that, and to have the opportunity of passing it down through the generations. You truly are blessed!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
LikeLike
So glad you liked it Katie! The first time I read that little tale, it just spoke volumes to me, and made me realize how far I still had to go. So everyday I work on becoming a little more like that woman. Because as Corrie ten Boom puts it: “Hold everything in your hands lightly, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My cousin and I were discussing my “poverty” this week, that I believe God never intended me to be wealthy. She reminded me just how wealthy I really am. Thank you for this beautiful post.
LikeLike
I’m so glad you liked it Lisa Anne. And it is true that we of the 1st world often do forget just how rich we really are. We all need those reminders from time to time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How beautiful! Delighting in beauty, she picks up the stone and carries it. Overflowing in kindness and generosity, she gives the stone away. Wondering at the richness of her generosity, the receiver returns the stone to learn about real riches. Thank you for this beautiful post.
LikeLike
When I stumbled upon this story some time ago, it really struck me. To me it speaks of owning stuff without letting it own us. And of realizing what true riches really are. So glad you liked it, Karen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, yes! I want to be a woman who walks with God and is a blessing to others. I want that for my children. To leave that kind of legacy is better than anything that perishes in this world. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Linda. It’s a great parable, isn’t it? And yes, that’s the only kind of lasting legacy!! May the Lord help us to live in this way!
LikeLike
I love this story! So powerful because of its simplicity, and so unattainable by us because of our natural selfishness. But God. Thank you so much for sharing this, my friend. It gives me much to think about–and be grateful for.
LikeLike
Thanks Dayle. Yes it is powerful, and definitely causes reflection! Only in God can we become so free!
LikeLike
Powerful story!!! I really love the meaning and symbolism. I also really love the quote you ended with. :)
LikeLike
It really touched my heart too TR. What freedom in being able to give and let go with such utter abandon. In giving we have. In letting go we keep!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved this story, Sheila! It made me think about living for Christ. If we let His love shine through us, others will see the value and want some of that light as well. Bless you and keep up the wonderful writing:)
LikeLike
Thanks Susan. And yes, it’s a good example of what Christ’s love in our lives should be like!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing that story – hearts of contentment and generosity as we share the blessings God shares with us – what a way to serve our Father!
LikeLike
It’s a delightful story, isn’t it Doris? And shares such a great great truth!
LikeLike
Like you, I really have no wordly goods to pass on to my children but I hope that I have passed on an inheritance of love and a faith in God.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen Shari! Worldly goods don’t last anyway. Far better eternal treasures!
LikeLike
Where is the love button?
LikeLike
Awe thanks Kathryne! This story really spoke to me when I found it too!
LikeLike
Wonderful story! Short and to the point. What a legacy she will leave. Let me have that kind of generosity and security, that I can give away those precious things without worrying about what will replace them. That out of love I can be a blessing to others.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I came across that story years ago Pete, and found it ever so inspiring! I too pray for that kind of heart and to leave such a rich legacy!! Blessings to your and your family.
LikeLiked by 1 person