Merry Christmas ! Dear Friends and Colleagues, This Christmas, I wanted to explore what some famous people said about its meaning. Here are three people and their thoughts on the meaning of Christmas. “My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” ― Bob Hope “Christmas can be celebrated in the school room with pine trees; tinsel and reindeer, but there must be no mention of the man whose birthday is being celebrated. One wonders how a teacher would answer if a student asked why it was called Christmas.” ― Ronald Reagan “Then the Grinch thought of something he hadnt before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesnt come from a store? What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!” ― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! I was reminded of a story I heard years ago. I’m not sure who the author is. However, according to one website; this next one is based on a story from 1954. The Painting (Whoever takes the son, gets it all) Once there was a Father and son who were very close and enjoyed adding valuable art pieces 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 Christmas holiday 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 Christmas 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 solider told of how the mans son had told everyone of his, not to mention 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. Though 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 Christmas 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! Unmindful of the story of the mans only son, but in his honor; 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 Christmas 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.” MERRY CHRISTMAS ! Jose Rodriguez CEO, National Image
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 04:07:46 +0000
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