The second Reader’s Digest story to maintain residence in my head for the past several decades (see June 25 blog) was called “Hyacinths to Feed the Soul.”
In the story, a young couple was going away for the weekend and hired a babysitter to watch their children. The babysitter looked around and noticed the apparent lack of wealth in the home. Tactlessly, she asked them how they could afford to take this getaway. The woman responded by reciting a poem the couple lived by:
“If of thy mortal goods thou art bereft,
And from thy slender store two loaves alone to thee are left,
Sell one, and with the dole
Buy hyacinths to feed thy soul.”
When the couple returned, refreshed and energized, the babysitter’s money was tucked into a pot containing a hyacinth plant.
Hyacinths are one of my favorite flowers. Not only are they terrifically sweet-smelling and cheery, but I can’t help but think of this story whenever I see them, reminding me to keep my priorities straight. Money’s only money, but memories and experiences last forever.
So… what are you doing to feed your soul today?