The History of the Blacksmith

"My God, do not give up until I can take the form that the Lord expects of me."

There once was a blacksmith who, after a youthful excesses, he decided to deliver his soul to God. For many years he worked hard and practiced charity, but for all his dedication, nothing seemed to go right in your life. Rather, their problems and debts are increasing. One afternoon, a friend who had visited him, and pitied her plight, said: - It's really strange that just after you decided to become a godly man, his life began to deteriorate. I do not want to weaken your faith, but for all his belief in the spiritual world, nothing has improved. The blacksmith did not answer immediately. He had often thought, without understanding what was happening in his life. However, as the friend did not want to leave unanswered, started talking and ended up finding the explanation he sought. Here's what the blacksmith said: - I get the steel in this workshop has not worked and have to turn it in spades. You know how it's done? First I heat the steel sheet in a hellish heat until it turns red. Then, without any mercy, I picked up the hammer and apply heavier blows until the part becomes the desired shape, so it is dipped in a bucket of cold water and the whole workshop is filled with the roar of steam, while the number pops and cries for the sudden change in temperature. I have to repeat this process until the sword is perfect because it just is not enough. The blacksmith gave a long pause, and continued: - Sometimes the steel that comes to my hands can not endure such treatment. Heat, hammered by the cold water to fill it with cracks. And I know that will never grow into a good sword blade. So I throw it on the pile of junk you saw at the entrance to my workshop. Another pause, and the blacksmith concluded: - I know that God is putting me in the fire of afflictions. I have accepted the blows that life gives me, and sometimes I feel so cold and indifferent as the water that is hurting the steel. But the only thing I ask is, "My God, do not give up until I can take the form that the Lord expects of me. Try as you feel better, as long as you want, but never put me on the scrap heap of souls. "