I started a new book called "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coleho. -- I've had this book for years collecting dust on my shelves. I've seen it over and over promoted in bookstores especially Barnes & Noble and have had friends that read it. I know it's about spirituality and I was in the mood for a dose of that so I decided to give it another shot. It's a very thin book and a real quick read but I just came across a story in the book I wanted to share. It pounded in my unconsciousness as I dreamed.

It was about a shopkeeper who sent his son out to learn the true meaning of happiness. So he sent him to a wise man far away. The wise man was very busy with lots of people talking to him. When the boy finally got a chance to speak to the wise man the wise man gave him a teaspoon with two drops of oil in it. He told the boy to see his beautiful palace and come back to him but not to drop any of the oil in the spoon. So the boy went around the palace and returned. When the wise man asked him what the boy thought of his beautiful palace the book said in shame he did not see because he was so focused on not spilling the oil in the spoon. The wise man said that's no good and to return and see his beautiful palace and enjoy himself. So the boy returned with a wide smile after seeing the beautiful palace. The wise man asked what happened to the oil in the spoon and the boy looked at the spoon without oil and said he must have spilled it. The wise man said the key to happiness is seeing the world and everything beautiful without spilling the oil in the spoon.

At first my minds instinctive reaction was like "WHAT?". Then I realized that the oil signified your responsibilities in life and the palace your leisure in life. Both equally important. One must enjoy life but be mindful of his responsibilities. May it be family, loved ones, career, education etc. Perhaps we may not always enjoy securing the oil in the spoon but it is our task to do sometimes what we have to in order to properly enjoy life.

When I first finished the story, too, I imagined myself with a maniacal look spilling all the oil on purpose and abandoning all of my responsibilities in life then tossing the spoon away and sitting in the sun to enjoy the palace.

 That's where my err is and my redemption is more clear.