Once upon a time, there was a wise and just king who often travelled from village to village to listen to the problems of his people. His fairness and dedication were known far and wide.
One day, while on one such visit, a small thing happened that would become a great lesson. The king’s kurta button suddenly came loose and fell off. Smiling, the king said to his minister, “Find me a good tailor from this village. I don’t want to trouble my palace staff for something so simple.”
The minister searched the entire village and found one humble tailor who owned a tiny shop near the market. The tailor was brought before the king.
The king said kindly, “Can you stitch this button back for me?”
The tailor bowed. “Of course, Your Majesty. It’s no big task.”
He took out a needle and thread from his old bag and carefully sewed the button onto the king’s kurta. His hands were steady, his work neat.
The king, pleased with his precision, asked, “How much shall I pay you for this work?”
The tailor smiled modestly. “Maharaj, this was a very small job. I cannot take money for it.”
But the king insisted. “Ask for something, my good man. We always pay for honest work.”
The tailor thought for a moment. The button belonged to the king already. I only provided the thread. He almost said “2 rupees,” but then hesitated.
If I ask for 2 rupees, the king might think I overcharge the villagers. He might believe I cheat people.
So the tailor said humbly, “Maharaj, please give me whatever you think is right.”
The king paused, smiled, and nodded. If I offer too little, it would seem unroyal; my people must see generosity in their ruler.
And so, in front of everyone, the king announced, “From this day forth, this tailor shall own two villages under my royal grant!”
The tailor was stunned. I was thinking of asking for 2 rupees… and he gave me 2 villages!
He folded his hands in disbelief and gratitude.
In life, we often limit our thinking like that tailor. We pray, wish, and ask for blessings only according to our own expectations. But the Divine does not give according to our capacity — He gives according to His.
