There was a young man who lived in Manchester England, who had been a successful DJ who had DJ’ed at the hacienda with names like Sasha and Graeme Park.
He had been at the right place at the right time and had made a lot of money. I met him years later when I was doing a course in the city. He was now teaching as he had lost the entire fortune he had made.
Nothing seemed to ever faze him, he didn’t seem to worry about anything. during one of our meeting I asked him how he kept from worrying about his past mistakes, and everything he had lost; and he went on the tell me an inspiring story that I will never forget.
I used to worry a lot; he said, ‘but one spring day in 1995, I was walking down Gaunt St, London when I saw a sight that banished all my worries.
It all happened in within minutes, but during those few minutes I learned more about life than I had learned in the previous 30 years.
In 1995 is when I hit rock bottom, my lavish life caught up with me. Not only had I spent all my money but I owed money all over the country for tabs I couldn’t pay which meant that I could no longer get bookings.
I was going to my bank to borrow some money so could go to Southampton to look for a job. I walked like a beaten man. I had lost all my fight and faith.
Then I seen a man coming down the street on a wheelchair who had no legs, He stopped beside me wait to cross the road when the light went green. I didn’t feel like talking as I had a lot of worries on my mind. Then he greeted me with a glowing smile, ‘Good morning, sir, It is a fine morning, isn’t it? he said with spirit.
As I stood looking down at him, I realised how rich I was. I had two legs. I could walk. I felt ashamed of my self-pity. I said to myself if this little fellow can be happy, cheerful, and confident without legs, I certainly can with legs.
As I crossed the road I had already a spring in my step.
I had intended to ask the Bank for only £1000. But now I had courage to ask for two thousand. I had intended to say that I wanted the money to go to Southampton to try to get a job. But now I announced confidently that I wanted to go to Southampton to get a job.
I got the loan; and I got the job.
I now have the following words pasted the mirror in my hall, and I read them every morning as I leave the house;
I had the blues because I had no shoes,
until upon the street, I met a man who had no feet?
What would you sell both your legs for? Million dollars?
What about your hands? Or eyes?
Add up all your assets, and you will find that you wouldn’t sell what you have for all the gold in the land.
In sharing this story, the young man taught me a valuable lesson about perspective and gratitude. Through the encounter with the man in the wheelchair, he found a renewed sense of appreciation for the things he once took for granted.
The memory of that moment remained etched in his mind, a constant reminder that no matter the challenges he faced, his own circumstances were far from dire.
His story serves as a vital reminder that true wealth lies not just in monetary possessions, but in the gratitude we cultivate for the invaluable treasures life bestows upon us.
Live Today With Faith 