The King's Highway

[Guest guest]

Thanks to all who

make it easier each day for others, in one way or

another. Sharon

The King's Highway

Once a king had a great highway built for the

members of his

kingdom. After it was completed, but before it was opened to

the

public, the king decided to have a contest. He invited as many

as

desired to participate. Their challenge was to see who could travel

the

highway the best.

On the day of the contest the people came. Some of them

had fine

chariots, some had fine clothing, fine hairdos, or great food.

Some

young men came in their track clothes and ran along the

highway.

People traveled the highway all day, but each one, when he

arrived

at the end, complained to the king that there was a large pile

of

rocks and debris left on the road at one spot and this got in their

way

and hindered their travel.

At the end of the day, a lone traveler crossed

the finish line

warily and walked over to the king. He was tired and dirty,

but he

addressed the king with great respect and handed him a bag of

gold.

he explained, "I stopped along the way to clear a pile of rocks

and

debris that was blocking the road. This bag of gold was under it

all.

I want you to return it to its rightful owner."

The king replied, "You

are the rightful owner."

The traveler replied, "Oh no, this is not mine.

I've never known

such money."

"Oh yes," said the king, "you've earned

this gold, for you won my

contest. He who travels the road best is he who

makes the road

smoother for those who will follow."

~ Author

Unknown