Standing Ovation

Eternal Standing Ovation

 

Two men left heaven many years ago with great sacks of food and supplies. They reached earth after a nine months journey. The first man immediately began to eat his food and use his supplies. The second man ate his food sparingly and kept his supplies very well because he did not want to run out of supplies before he got back to heaven. After many years, the two returned to heaven. Both of them were then ushered into the throne room to tell the angels about their travels.

 

The second man proudly explained how his food had lasted him the whole journey. He told the angels that he even managed to return with most of his supplies. His only complaint was that the journey was very tiring because he had to carry the sack all the way to earth and all the way back to heaven. When he had finished his story, a few angels shifted in their seats and gave him some polite applause.

 

The first man stepped forward not knowing what to say. Then, he suddenly burst into tears as he explained how he had eaten all his food, used all his supplies and eventually lost his sack. He then pleaded for a chance to go back and at least find his sack. There followed a moment of silence in heaven. Then, to the first man's surprise, the angels all stood up, broke into wild cheers and gave him an eternal standing ovation.

 

Allan Bukusi, November 2008