Proverb: The Monk and his Vision (An Asian Proverb)

An old monk prayed fervently many years for a vision from God. It came on day just at the minute the monk was scheduled to feed the poor who gathered daily at the monastery gate. If he didn't show up with food, the people would leave, thinking the monastery had nothing to give them that day. The monk was torn between his duty to the poor and his pursuit of the heavenly vision. Then, with a heavy heart, he madehis decision: he would feed the poor. A hour later, the monk returned to his room. When he opened the door, he could hardly believe his eyes. There was the vision, waiting for him. It smiled and said, "My son, had you not gone to feed the poor, I would not have remained."