The Boy Who Learned to Share

This is the true story of Gurditt, a man who lived a full life and passed on wisdom through generations. Remembered fondly by his family as a loving great-grandfather, his journey toward becoming that man began long ago—with one life-changing morning.

That cold December morning, young Gurditt was walking toward the well outside his house, carrying his personal towel, mug and bucket tucked under his arm. He never allowed anyone to touch these items—let alone share them. Just the day before, he’d caused an uproar when his younger sister used his mug. Gurditt was extremely particular, refusing to share clothes, objects or rather anything at all.

His mother had scolded him. “You’re so stubborn. Even if God came asking for your bucket, you’d turn God away,” she said. But Gurditt remained unmoved, indifferent to these concerns. 

That afternoon, Gurditt had shrugged off his mother’s scolding and gone out to play, returning home late. Though she wanted him to learn the value of sharing, she didn’t scold him further—he had already skipped a meal. Quietly, she served him dinner and placed a glass of milk beside his wood carving material. His sister was still sulking over the dismissal she received from Gurditt as if her need for the bucket was not important at all. Gurditt ignored her gaze and went to bed.

At 4:30 a.m., he woke suddenly, freshened up quickly and decided to bathe early. He quietly retrieved his hidden bucket, proud of slipping out unnoticed. Reaching the well, he drew warm water and washed his face—unaware that the moment to come would change him forever.

Just then, Gurditt saw an old man in long robes approach him. “Beta, can I borrow your bucket for a few minutes? I’ll return it,” the man asked gently. Gurditt refused immediately. The man prodded a little more but seeing him reluctant, he gave a quiet, knowing smile and turned to walk down the narrow kuccha lane. Within a few steps, he vanished into the thin morning mist, leaving Gurditt frozen, heart racing. The area beyond where the man disappeared was still visible but then where did the man go? 

His hands trembled. It wasn’t fear of the figure—it was the weight of what he’d done. Dropping the bucket, he ran home and woke his mother, breathlessly recounting the encounter. She listened calmly and said, “Didn’t I tell you? Even if God came, you’d turn God away over a bucket.”

Something shifted inside him. From that moment on, Gurditt changed. He began to share—his bucket, his books, his time. The boy who once refused to give anything became a man who never turned anyone away.