Lesson Learned

Just thought I'd share a story that was passed on to me this week.....

Many years ago there was a very wealthy man who shared a passion for art collecting with his son. They had many priceless works adorning the walls of their family estate.
The nation was at war and the young man left home to serve his country. After a few weeks his father received notification his son had died. Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the Christmas holidays with sadness, all the joy of the season had vanished with the death of his son.
On Christmas morning a knock at the door awakened the depressed old man...a soldier with a large package in his arms greeted the old man, "I was a friend of your sons', he was rescuing me when he passed away. May I come in for a few minutes? I have something to show you." The soldier stated he was an artist then gave the old man the package. Inside was a portrait of the man's son. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius the painting featured the young man's face in striking detail.
Over come with emotion the old man hung the portrait of his fireplace, thus pushing aside millions of dollars worth of art. His ask completed the old man sat in his chair and spent Christmas gazing at the gift he'd been given. The painting of his son was soon his most prized possession far eclipsing the pieces of art that many museums clamored over.
Half a year later the old man passed away, and the art world waited with anticipation for the upcoming auction. According to his will, all of his possessions would be auctioned on Christmas Day...the day he had received the greatest gift of all.
The day arrived and collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some spectacular pieces of art. The auction began with the painting of the man's son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid, but the room was silent. "Who will open the bidding?" No one spoke...Finally someone spoke up, "who cares about that worthless painting? Let's move onto the good stuff!" The auctioneer responded, " I'm sorry but the instructions in the will are clear that we are to start the auction with this painting. Now who will take the son?"
Finally a neighbor offered $50 stating "that's all I have, I knew the boy, so I'd like to have it." The auctioneer said, "Going once, GOING TWICE...SOLD" The gavel fell and the crowd cheered, happy to move on to the real art. The auctioneer surveyed the room and announced that the auction was over. Everyone was stunned." What do you mean it's over?! This man had millions of dollars worth of art, What's going on here?!"
The auctioneer replied "It's very simple...According to the will of the Father, whoever takes the son...gets it all!"
The message is the same this Christmas because of the Father's love whoever takes the Son gets it all.