Some More of God’s Greatest Mistakes

Achem, humble and hardworking son to the clay pot maker Ono, was at work repairing roof of his father’s hut in the hot noonday son when he first realized that there might be an easier way to make his living than learning the craft of his father.  This inspiration came in the form of Toro, a local rice merchant, who found him at his work.

“Ho, Achem!”  called the fat and wealthy merchant.

“My father is at the market, sir.”  the boy called back.

“Oh, never mind that my lad, come down and have a talk with me.”  replied the merchant Toro, much to the puzzlement of young Achem who had never in the past been spoken to by such a prominent figure.

Down from the roof came Achem and Toro proceeded to offer the boy a drink of wine from his wineskin and generally treat him as though he was an equal.  Strange behavior indeed for a merchant, who had a reputation of not offering anything without expecting something as payment.

“Achem, I was thinking this morning of how important it is that the growers of rice recieve a bountiful crop this season.  The farmers need to trade the rice for pots and linen and wine and salt for their families and the city folk need rice to last them through until next harvest season.  Yet the crop of rice depends on the rain and the sun and the outcome rests in the hands of God, not in the work of the farmers.  It occurred to me that a clever lad who had helped so much in ending the practice of eating rocks might find himself again in conversation with God, and if so you might like to bring up the harvest and suggest to God how important it is that everything goes well.

Oh, and as to the earlier time you spoke with God, I’ve been so pleased that one the Twelveday all we now have to do is go without salt and seasonings.  I’ve taken to saving the salt I would have used on the Twelveday in this little urn and I thought you might like to have it as my way of saying thank you.”

With that the merchant presented Achem with a small vessel of with a cork stopper.  Achem’s mind had been working quickly, and he felt it best to accept the salt and make no promises as to his abilities to intervene with God in the matter of the harvest.

“If I ever have the opportunity to speak to God again I’ll definitely mention it.”  said Achem.