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Life Lessons

The Role of Heart

Many years ago, renowned actor Charles Laughton was a guest for Christmas dinner at the home of a distinguished and well-to family.

Part of the tradition involved a performance by everyone at the meal. People would sing, recite poetry, etc.

When Laughton’s turn came, he decided to recite the 23rd Psalm, the one that begins, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” With his distinctive voice and actor’s presence, Laughton delivered a performance that brought applause from those at the table.

Just when it seemed the recitations were finished, someone noticed that the elderly aunt had not yet said anything. In fact, she was half-asleep.

It turns out that she had not heard all the performances, and so she, too, recited the 23rd Psalm. Her rendition reduced those around the table to tears.

When it was time to leave, the host asked Laughton a question. “How come with all your training, you only got applause, and she got tears?”

Replied Laughton, “I know the Psalm. She knows the shepherd.”

The moral: Nothing takes the place of heart.

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