Sunday Parable:

Three advices and a loaf of bread

by Prof. Sunanda MAHENDRA

“I would rather go out in search of my fortune”, said the poor man to his wife and two daughters. “But what are you going to do?”, asked the wife.

“I can do anything to somebody who needs a helping hand.” Wife kept silent as he prepared everything for his journey. “What will you bring us when you return?”, asked the two daughters from their father. “I will try to bring the fortune to all of you”, he said. “How soon will you come?”, asked one of the daughters.

“As soon as possible, but I got to go in search of the fortune.” Then he bid farewell to all of them. “Take care”, said the wife. “Take care all of you”, said the man as he stepped out of the house.

He walked as far as possible. Then he stopped to see a bakery. He saw a tall man standing in front of the bakery. “What are you in search of?”, asked the tall man. “I am looking for a job.” “Are you new to this area?” “Yes I am.” “What kind of job are you looking for?” “Any job.” “I want as assistant for my bakery.” “I can help you.” Then they came to an agreement. “You will get your lodgings,” said the tall man, the owner of the bakery. The poor man nodded his head in agreement. “Then you will get your meals. Plus a good pay.” The tall man looked rather prophetic in his outlook.

“Have you worked in a bakery before?” “Not particularly in a bakery, sir.” “Can you manage then?”, “I think so.” “Then you should learn it for a few months. You will slowly get a grip of what it is.” “I will, certainly.”

The poor man was employed as the baker’s apprentice. Soon he mastered the craft. Those who bought bread, buns, and pastries found a fresh aroma and a fresh taste in them. The sale of breads, cakes, and pastries went up gradually.

The baker was happy with his new assistant. But he did not tell his feelings to his new employee. The baker had the habit of giving children some buns free. And the parents wanted to buy more of them at a cost.

The owner had the habit of talking to his customers. “Do you like to take home more bread?” He would ask. “Yes but we have this much of money out of which you can buy only two loaves.” “That’s alright. Take one more on my account.” Parents and children all loved him. He cheered them and advised.

“Look after your children well. Then they will look after you as well.” Time was up for our poor man to go home. “When do you want to go?” “Tomorrow morning.” “When do you want to come back?” “The day after tomorrow.” “Stay a few days more.” “If you say so, Sir.” “I will take care of your work.” “Thank you.” “You have worked for about six months, haven’t you?” “Yes Sir.” “Do you need the whole pay?” “As you wish, Sir.” “Do you like three advices or the whole pay?” “I cannot make up my mind.” “Alright. When you get up tomorrow morning, decide for yourself. Three advices, or the whole pay?” He lacked sleep. He went on thinking about the baker’s options. The bakery owner saw the helper getting ready to go home the following morning. “What have you decided?” “I would listen to the three advices.” “Then keep this loaf with you,” said the bakery owner and continued, “my first advice is this. Don’t take a short cut to your home. Got it?” “Yes.” “Second advice is this.

Do not stay overnight on your way and prolong your stay. Got it?” “Yes.” Third advice. You should give this loaf of bread straight away to your wife. You should eat it with the whole family after she cut it in her apron, right?” “Yes.” “Alright, you can go now.” The man stuck to bakery owner’s advices. His family was so happy to see him back. They had many questions and he answered them all. Then came the moment when he had to narrate the three advices given to him by the bakery owner.

The loaf of bread was kept on his wife’s apron and was cut into two halves. “Jingle - jingle - jingle.” Gold sovereigns fell on to the apron. Needless to say it was a moment of amazement. “Oh my God, we can live forever with this”, said the wife shedding a tear of happiness. “You have brought us luck”, said the two daughters. “Yes I have. But I have made a promise. I should go in a few days.”

(From an old Scottish folk source)