Part One:
Long ago and far away, there lived a boy named Martin. Martin had a pure heart, an eager mind, and a carefree spirit. He spent his days exploring the forests, befriending the animals. One day, while chasing rabbits, Martin happened upon a little shop deep in the woods. It was the shop and home of The Lamp Maker. Martin, whose poor home had only candles for light, was intrigued by the Maker’s work. Each lamp was a unique, hand-made creation that, when filled with oil and trimmed just right, gave off beautiful light that filled an entire room. More than the lamps, however, Martin felt an unusual reverence and respect for the man who created the lamps, for he was very wise and had a kind way about him. Martin visited him often for several years, and finally, one day, asked if the Maker would teach him how to make lamps. The Maker smiled, then slowly nodded, and said, “One day you will be ready to make the lamps; for now, you are ready to sell them.” He let Martin pick out twelve to take with him. They packed them carefully into a small handcart, and the Maker said, “To be a good lamp peddler, you must know your lamps and know your customers; only then can you make an appropriate match. Sometimes, a customer doesn’t know what he needs, you must be sensitive enough to help him choose wisely. But know this, eventually each person will find the lamp made especially for him.” Then the Maker took the lamp off his mantle and gave it to Martin.
“This is a special lamp. I have made it for someone special. I cannot say who that will be, but you will know when you find them, so listen to your heart and see that it goes to the right person. Get a good rest tonight, for tomorrow you will make your first sale!” Martin packed the special lamp carefully with the others and started for home.
As he passed through the village, he was stopped by a young girl who asked directions. He gave them gladly, then, sensing an opportunity, asked if she might have need of a lamp.
“Why, yes!” she exclaimed in surprise. “I am here to purchase the items for my dowry and would like a lamp for my future husband.”
“I have the perfect lamp for you, or, for him, I should say.” And he brought out the very lamp he would choose for himself, sturdy and functional. “You will notice that the chimney is perfectly symmetrical and the glass is of the finest craftsmanship, without flaw or bubble. The base is gilded with pure gold. Let me light it for you so you can see for yourself.”
It truly was a very fine lamp and she decided immediately that it would be perfect. Their eyes met as she paid him. Then she thanked him and said, “My husband, whoever he is, will be very blessed to have this beautiful piece!”
That night as he readied himself for bed, he thought to himself how pleased the Maker would be to know he had made a sale so soon, and such a perfect sale indeed! He would be ready to become a lamp maker in no time, he was sure of it. He unpacked the special lamp, trimmed it, and gazed into its flame as he fell asleep. He dreamed of the special person to whom it would one day belong, a stunning girl, with long brown hair, clear green eyes, and a warm, accepting smile. She was much like his first customer. “How peculiar,” he thought, for he was confident she had purchased the perfect lamp for her needs. “My dreams are playing tricks on me.”
to be continued...
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