Once, in a valley surrounded by tall green hills, there lived three farmers. The land was generous, and each year it gave them a harvest of golden seeds. These seeds were their paycheck, meant to meet their needs today and provide for tomorrow.
Each farmer faced the same decision: how many seeds to eat, and how many to plant for the future.
The first farmer was named Joran.
The second farmer was named Elric.
The third farmer was named Tomas.
Joran: Living for Today
Joran loved life. He loved rich food, fine clothes, and grand celebrations. Each time the harvest came in, he threw a feast.
“I earned this!” Joran would say. “Why should I hold back when there’s so much to enjoy?”
He ate most of his golden seeds, saving only a small handful for planting. When next season came, his fields yielded just enough to get by.
At first, this worked well enough. Joran always had something to enjoy. But over time, the small plantings led to smaller harvests. Some years, when storms hit or pests came, his fields produced even less.
Joran began borrowing seeds from neighbors to make it through. The debt piled up. He worked harder, but each year he seemed to fall a little more behind.
By retirement, Joran still wore a smile in public, but behind closed doors, he worried constantly. His debts weighed on him. His fields were barely enough to cover his needs, let alone repay what he owed.
Elric: Living for Tomorrow
Elric was a different man. He distrusted the future and feared running out of seeds. When the harvest came in, he carefully counted every seed and planted them all.
“This is the only way to build true security,” he said. “Sacrifice today for the sake of tomorrow.”
He lived on bitter roots and thin soup. His clothes were worn and patched. He refused to join village festivals or buy even small comforts.
Over the years, Elric’s fields grew vast. His storehouses overflowed. He became the wealthiest farmer in the valley, yet no one visited his home.
He grew harsh and suspicious. When children played near his fields, he shouted them away. When neighbors greeted him, he grumbled about waste and foolishness.
By retirement, Elric was incredibly wealthy, but lonely. His health had faded. His wealth had grown, but joy had withered. His seeds multiplied, but no one cared to celebrate with him.
Tomas: Living with Balance
Tomas watched both of his friends and chose a different path.
“I will eat enough to live well today,” he said, “but I will save and plant enough to build a future.”
Each year, Tomas divided his golden seeds with care. A portion went to feed himself and his family, allowing for simple comforts and a good life. Another portion was set aside for planting and growth.
He did not feast like Joran, nor starve like Elric. He celebrated when it was time to celebrate. He invested in strong tools and healthy soil. He built relationships with neighbors and shared his wisdom freely.
Some years brought hardship, but Tomas’s fields remained fruitful because of his steady planting. His wealth grew slowly but surely.
By retirement, Tomas had enough to live comfortably, help others, and take time to enjoy life. His farm was a place of warmth, laughter, and welcome. His wealth had grown, but so had his happiness.
The Lesson
Your paycheck is your harvest.
Spend it all, like Joran, and you will always be chasing tomorrow.
Cling to it all, like Elric, and you may miss the life you are trying to build.
But if you live with balance, like Tomas, spending wisely and investing steadily, you can enjoy today while building a future that lasts.
Which farmer are you today?
Take a moment this week to look at your own harvest, your paycheck. Are you planting enough for the future? Are you also remembering to enjoy life along the way?
A small change now can bring a better harvest later. Start today.