The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant: Twelve Keys to Successful Living by Terry Felber

Author:Terry Felber
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2012-11-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

THE FIFTH MEETING

It was April and a breeze was blowing from the north, cooling the two as they sat on the steps of the great cathedral. Julio noticed for the first time the way the sun was gleaming off of the giant dome that hung over the main structure of St. Peter’s. The reflections of light danced on the plaza in flowing arches. Julio was full of images of his Grandfather and Alessio and the mysterious Ahmad. He was eager for more.

“Grandfather, what happened next?”

The ordeal with Ahmad had been challenging, but I’d learned some valuable lessons. Soon, though, I was dealing with a different kind of problem. It began with the youngest of Maria’s brothers, whom she had nicknamed Venny. Maria had four brothers, all older than she was. Growing up in a family of boys had been an adventure, but Maria often said she’d have it no other way. She had fond memories of playing sport and fishing right along with them. Maria’s father was a struggling merchant on Murano, and his boys had followed in his footsteps. Each had his own business, except for Venny. At twenty-one, he had spent most of his time fishing and painting. One day, in keeping with family tradition, Venny announced that he would open a restaurant.

I can still remember it. He sat down with me to discuss his plans. His eyes were full of life and adventure. I recognized the look on his face. After all, I’d been living a business adventure of my own. A few months later, he launched his first restaurant. Like any new enterprise, the first two years were difficult ones. Venny worked hard and slowly grew his small business. Unfortunately, his debt also grew. Soon, he found himself desperate for money, wondering what to do. That’s when I heard the knock at my door.

I had just finished writing letters to several of my key customers when he arrived. When I saw that it was Venny, I quickly opened the door and invited him in. Immediately, I could see a nervous look on his face. I offered him a cup of hot tea, and we sat down together in a room overlooking the ocean. After we settled in with small talk, he began to unravel the events of the past two years. He told me about his lack of start-up capital and about the employees who had stolen from his business. After only two years, he had found himself in debt and financially out of control. I remember asking him if there was anything I could do for him. I also remember the long pause. Then he asked me.

“Antonio, I would never normally do this . . . but what I really need right now is money. Is there any way that you could give me a loan? Just to get me through this.”

I wanted to loan him money to help him through this difficult season. But I had some reticence. I told Venny that I needed to seek counsel before I made a commitment.

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