An old Arabic legend says that a Rabbi, who was religious and devoted, lived happily with his family, his admirable wife and dear sons.

One day, for religious reasons, the Rabbi went on a long trip, and had to be away for many days.

While he was travelling, his beloved sons had a serious accident, which sadly caused the death of both of them.

The mother was heart-broken, but relying on her faith and trust in God she suffered the shock bravely.

Nevertheless, she was seriously worried about her husband: how would she give him the terrible news?

Knowing that his heart was not strong, she was afraid he would not withstand such commotion.

She then thought about praying and asking God to help her come through this difficult task.

Some days later, at the end of the afternoon, the Rabbi came back home.

He hugged the wife and asked her about his sons.

She told him not to worry, suggested he had a shower and said that later on she would give him news about them.

Some minutes later, they were both sitting at the kitchen table and she asked him about his trip, but soon he wondered about the boys again.

She pleaded, embarrassed, not to talk about them for a while. She had a serious problem to solve and needed his help and advice.

The man asked worriedly: What happened? I have noticed you looked upset! Tell me! We will solve it together, with God's help.

While you were away, a friend of ours visited us and left two jewels of incalculable value for me to look after. They are very precious!

The problem is, she continued, he is returning soon but I do not want to give them back, as I am completely attached to them! What do you say?

Oh woman! I do not understand your behavior! You have never cultivated vanities! ... What is it now?

But I have never seen such beauties! They are marvelous!

They may as well be, but they do not belong to you! You must return them!

But I can not accept the idea of losing them!

The Rabbi answered firmly: No one loses what does not belong to them. To keep them is to rob them.

We will give them back. I will help you. We will do it together, today still.

The woman answered: Well, my dear, your wish will be responded. The treasure will be given back. In reality, it has been done already. The precious jewels were our sons.

God trusted them to us, so that we would look after them, and during your trip He came to get them back. And they are gone.

The Rabbi understood the message. He hugged his wife, and together they shed many tears, but with no despair nor anger.

*   *   *

Children are precious jewels that God trusts to us that so we can help them develop.

Do not waste the chance to adorn them with virtues. In doing so, when you give them back to God, they will be even more beautiful and valuable.

Spiritist Moment Team, based on chapter 34 of the book
Quem tem medo da morte?, by Richard Simonetti,
Gráfica São João Ltda Publishing House.
March 29.2010.