One man had a good friend in his youth. When he remembered his friend, he was always nearby, and when he forgot, he disappeared. But the man constantly felt his care and help. After some time, this man started a family and had children. Less and less often did he remember his friend. Soon, worries about the well-being of his family consumed all his strength, he began to get sick often and eventually ended up in the hospital. Neither his wife nor his children could help him. And other relatives had their own troubles, because of which they had no time for the patient. When he felt really bad, he remembered his forgotten friend, and he immediately came to see him in the hospital. The friend paid for the patient’s treatment and care. The patient's health has improved. Only now did this man seriously think about his life: no one could help him in trouble like his old friend. How can I thank him for his kindness and participation? The man decided that from now on he would treat his friend warmly and lovingly and would never forget about him. Soon his friend came to him again and said: “My dear, only illness changed your attitude towards me. If you had consistently followed me and my advice from your youth, you would have felt even greater love for yourself, and your life would have turned out completely differently.” “Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you; Cleanse your hands, you sinners; straighten your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8). monk Simeon of Athos Mysterious conversations or hidden truths
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru