George was summoned into the office.  Was this to be his last day?  Was poverty about to become his best friend?  A cloud of anxiety formed within him as each step took him closer.  Yet he did not know what to expect.

His boss was a fair man.  He knew that whatever would come must be fairly given.  In his anxiety he thought, “Surely I’ve missed something necessary.  Surely he will drive me out for something I have done but did not realize.”

He knocked.  “Come in George”, the steady and highly intelligent voice said.  George made his way across the spacious carpeted office.  The leather chair gladly received his anxious frame.

“George, I’ve watched you closely; closer than you know.”  A chill went up George’s spine.  “I’ve seen things about you and your life that I know you thought were hidden.  I’m about to change your life sir.”

How should George’s lips freeze shut now?  What defense could he make to such an obscure remark?  “Yep, I’m about to go home to give seriously bad news.”

“George, I know how your family struggles.  I see how tattered your clothing is.  And I know it has to do with things you can’t control.  Money’s tight.  And life demands too much, rather often.”

George just nodded his head on an unstable neck.  Without asking, his eyes began to drop their gaze to the floor.

“George, I want to give you the rest of the day off.”  George’s eyes shot up to look intently into the eyes of the man who held such horrible things in his hand.

“I want you to go down to ‘Fair Deal Motors’.  When you get there, I want you to pick out a car that meets your fancy.  Have David call me, and I’ll pay for it.”

George just stared.

“George, did you hear me?”  A tiny nod was the response.

“Well, away with you then!  Get on your way.  I’ll see you in the morning.”

That was it.  That was the extent of the meeting.  After thanking his boss, George was numb as he walked to “Fair Deal Motors”.

When he got to the lot, he asked for David.  David came out with a giant smile pasted on his mouth.  “You’re a very lucky man George!  Come on.  Let’s go out and get your new car picked out.”

It was true!  Now his face brightened.  Shiny colors of shaped steel filled eyes that, just a moment before, had only been able to see gloomy mist.

He walked through the lot.  He saw the luxury.  But he passed it by.  He knew what fit his desire.  And find it, he did.

“Are you sure George?”  Asked David with a twinge of surprise he couldn’t hide.  “Absolutely!  George’s smile said it all.

They went to the office.  Paper work was done.  Keys were given.  And handshake was made.  “Off ya go, friend!  Have a great day!  I’ll call your boss and finalize the deal.”

George drove off in his “new” car.

The next day, he went to his boss’s office first thing.  He had in mind to thank him and summon all the gratitude he could muster.  His wife and children had been ecstatic.  The evening was filled with waxing and admiration of both the gift and the giver.  He came in to give all the thanks such an evening deserved.

His boss was glad to see the joy.  But as they sat together, a frown came on the boss’s face.

“George, I am really confused.  With all the beautiful and dependable cars David has there, why did you choose that rust bucket?  You could have had that Lincoln.  It’s only two years old!  It would have lasted you for years.  As it is, I’m not sure how long that can of bolts will skip down the road.  Maybe David didn’t explain clearly enough.  Maybe you just didn’t understand.  But a deal’s a deal.  That’s the car you’ve got.”

Surprise lit up George’s mind.  He hadn’t thought the receiving had no limit.  He had missed the point of the gift entirely.  But a deal’s a deal.  “I chose what I thought I deserved, Sir.”

_______________

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  Yet how many choose only what they think they are worth?  What a horrible waste of faith.