Sincerity not Perfection

Lemarc, a brave pathfinder, embarked on a challenging journey to visit the renowned Cordinellas in Willowdale. Exhausted from his travels, he sought refuge at an inn, where he was delighted to find himself amongst a group of fellow pathfinders. They sat together at a long wooden table, where they shared their exhilarating stories and experiences, savored delectable food, and discussed the latest news and developments in their respective towns.

The following morning, after a peaceful slumber, Lemarc joined his fellow travelers for prayers. However, the words spoken by the guests seemed jumbled and unclear, as if a rapid stream was running over pebbles. Lemarc couldn't make out their prayers and decided to question one of them. He spoke in a low and muffled tone, "Werurygoigtdy?" The puzzled man responded with confusion, "Excuse me, what did you just ask?" Undeterred, Lemarc repeated, "Wurarygongtdayisd?" Still, the man couldn't comprehend his inquiry. Frustrated, Lemarc retorted, "Of course you don't! I asked, 'Where are you going today?' but I said it just as quickly and as garbled as you mumbled the words of your prayers..."

Lemarc went on to express his disappointment in the way prayers were being said. He reminded his fellow travelers that during their conversations, they had communicated clearly, and he had understood everything they had shared. However, during prayers, the words spoken were incomprehensible, and this made Lemarc wonder if they were communicating with their gods in the best way possible.

Moved by Lemarc's words, the travelers promised to take his message to heart and improve the way they prayed. They vowed to pay more attention to their pronunciation and intention, even if they didn't understand all the words. They thanked Lemarc for his profound lesson and left the inn, each to his destination.

Lemarc's visit with Cordinellas had been an extraordinary one, brimming with significance and depth. As he walked home, his heart felt as though it were buoyed up on a wave of joy and elation. It was not just the prospect of seeing his beloved wife and son that filled him with delight, but the memory of the profound conversation he had just shared with his friend.

As he pushed open the door to his home, Lemarc was greeted by the sight of his wife, radiant and glowing in the warm light of their humble abode. His eyes lit up with pleasure, and he rushed to embrace her, his arms enveloping her in a warm, loving hug.

Without hesitation, he made his way to his son's crib, where the little one lay, his chubby arms outstretched in anticipation. Lemarc's wife followed close behind, a look of adoration on her face as she gazed upon the tiny form of their beloved child.

In response to the baby's coos and gurgles, Lemarc was struck by his wife's uncanny ability to discern the meaning behind each and every sound. "How did you know what he wanted?" he marveled. "Those 'goohgahgooh' sounds are all the same to me!"

With a gentle smile, his wife explained, "I am with him day and night, so I know exactly what he means with his different goohs and gaahs and what he wants." As she cradled their son in her arms and affixed the child to her breast for feeding, Lemarc watched in awe, his heart swelling with pride and gratitude.

Moved by his wife's intuition and insight, Lemarc couldn't help but ponder on the deeper meaning behind their exchange. This made Lemarc reflect on his experience with the prayers at the inn. He realized that as long as they prayed sincerely, their imperfect speech and lack of understanding did not matter.

He realized then and there that it was not just the act of speaking that mattered, but the intention and heart behind it. And as he looked at his wife and son, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, he knew that he was blessed beyond measure to have them in his life.