Page 9 - Good News August 2005 paper

wealthy man and his son loved to collect But the auctioneer persisted. "Will someone bid
rare works of art. They had everything in for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100,
Atheir collection, from Picasso to Raphael. $200?"
They would often sit together and admire the great Another voice shouted angrily, "We didn't come to
works of art. When the Vietnam conflict broke out, see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's,
the son went to war. the Rembrandt's. Get on with the real bids!"
He was very courageous and died in battle while But still the auctioneer continued. "The son! The
rescuing another soldier. The father was notified son! Who'll take the son?"
and grieved deeply for his only son. Finally, a voice came from the very back of the
About a month later, just before Christmas, there room. It was the long-time gardener of the man
was a knock on the door. and his son. "I'll give $10 for the painting."
A young man stood at the door with a large Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. "We
package in his hands. He said, "Sir, you don't have $10, who will bid $20?"
know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son "Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters."
gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he "$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20'?"
was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want
in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked the picture of the son. They wanted the more
about you, and your love for art." worthy investments for their
The young man held out his package. "I know this collections. The auctioneer
isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think pounded the gavel. "Going
your son would have wanted you to have this." once, twice, SOLD for $10!"
The father opened the package. It was a portrait of A man sitting in the second row
his son, painted by the young man. He stared in shouted, "Now let's get on with
awe at the way the soldier had captured the the collection!"
personaiity of his son in the painting. The father The auctioneer laid down his
was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled gavel. "I'm sorry, the auction is
up with tears. He thanked the young man and over." "What about the
offered to pay him for the picture. paintings?"
"Oh, no sir, l could never repay what your son did "I am sorry. When I was called to
for me. lt's a gift." conduct this auction, I was told
The father hung the portrait over his mantelpiece. of a secret stipulation in the will.
Every time visitors came to his home he took them I was not allowed to reveal that
to see the portrait of his son before he showed stipulation until this time. Only
them any of the other great works he had the painting of the son would be
collected. auctioned. Whoever bought that
The man died a few months later. There was to be a painting would inherit the entire
great auction of his paintings. Many influential estate, including the paintings.
people gathered, excited over seeing the great The man who took the son gets
paintings and having an opportunity to purchase everything!"
some for their collection. On the platform was the God gave His Son 2 000 years
painting of the man's son. ago to die on a cruel cross. Much
The auctioneer pounded his gavel. "We will start like the auctioneer, His message
the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will today is, "The Son, the Son,
bid for this picture?" who'll take the Son?"
There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the Because you see, whoever
room shouted, "We want to see the famous takes the Son gets everything!
paintings. Skip this one.” Author unknown

An Atlantic liner was caught in make port, for I have seen the
a storm. For two days the wind pilot, and he is smiling.
raged. Passengers were With the Great Pilot directing
frightened! our lives, we can smile on
At last an anxious passenger through every storm and
climbed by great effort to smiling, be at peace!
where he could see the pilot. - Youth’s Comrade
Coming back down among the
passengers, he spread the
glad tidings of peace. Said he,
“We are all right. This ship will