Consider this parable of a rich man named, Carl.
This successful business man often rode his horse around his vast estate, so he could congratulate himself on his great wealth.
One day while out riding, he saw Hans, an old tenant farmer. Hans had just sat down
beneath a tree to eat his lunch, and Carl heard him give thanks to God for it.
Carl said, "If that’s all I had - I wouldn’t feel like giving thanks."
Hans replied, "It is enough and I am thankful."
Then Hans added, "It is strange that you should come by today, for I had a dream last night that the richest man in the valley will die, tonight. I don’t know what it means, perhaps nothing, but I thought - I should tell you."
Carl laughed it off. Then he turned and galloped away. But, these words troubled him because he was obviously the richest man in the valley. That evening he called his friend and personal physician to come over. He told him what Hans had said. After a thorough examination his doctor said, "Carl, you are as strong and healthy as your horse. There’s no way you’re going to die tonight."
To reassure him, the doctor stayed with Carl, and they played cards throughout the night. As dawn broke, Carl thanked his friend and confessed how foolish he felt for being upset by the old man’s dream.
Just then a messenger arrived at Carl’s door. "What is it?" Carl asked.
The messenger replied, "Hans died last night in his sleep."
- jER