The Fire of Friendship

photo courtesy of Paulo Coelho

A man called Ali is in need of money and asks his boss to help him out. His boss sets him a challenge: if he can spend all night on the top of a mountain, he will receive a great reward; if he fails, he will have to work for free. The story continues:

When he left the shop, Ali noticed that an icy wind was blowing. He felt afraid and decided to ask his best friend, Aydi, if he thought he was mad to accept the wager.
After considering the matter for a moment, Aydi answered:
‘Don’t worry, I’ll help you. Tomorrow night, when you’re sitting on top of the mountain, look straight ahead.
‘I’ll be on the top of the mountain opposite, where I’ll keep a fire burning all night for you.

‘Look at the fire and think of our friendship; and that will keep you warm.
‘You’ll make it through the night, and afterwards, I’ll ask you for something in return.’

Ali won the wager, got the money, and went to his friend’s house.
‘You said you wanted some sort of payment in return.’

Aydi said, ‘Yes, but it isn’t money. Promise that if ever a cold wind blows through my life, you will light the fire of friendship for me.’

This passage comes from Paulo's new book Aleph. The man is a genius, and one of my favorites. The Alchemist is one of 4 books I would take to a deserted island and read over and over.

I haven't always felt like there was someone lighting a fire on the next mountain top for me. But that doesn't mean they are not there. I realize I have missed many kindling fires being kept while I looked for a bonfire on the mountain behind me. More than once I secretly hope in times of great frustration or despair there will be a fire for me on the mountain top, but have never sought to ask.

It's a gift, the asking and the climb and the discovery that awaits. Everyone needs to see a fire burning for them somewhere on their cold mountain tops and dark valleys. As someone once told me, "kindness will cost you nothing."