Once upon a time, in a bustling village, there was a well-loved baker named Mrs. Sweetly. She was famous for her delectable pastries, particularly her heavenly doughnuts.

One sunny morning, Mrs. Sweetly set out a tray of freshly baked doughnuts for the villagers to enjoy. As the villagers gathered, a rather plump fellow named Mr. Goodwin was among them. He had a reputation for having a hearty appetite, especially for Mrs. Sweetly's treats.

Aside from his girth and a craving for goodies, Mr. Goodwin was also known around town as a man who did not like to share … anything.

Amidst the gathering, Mr. Goodwin spotted a cinnamon twist with a honey-butter glaze—the last doughnut on the tray—and his eyes gleamed with desire.

Yet, just as he reached for the twist, Mrs. Sweetly's young son, Timmy, arrived. Timmy was sad.

"Mr. Goodwin," he said softly, "that kind of doughnut is my favorite. Could I have it, please?"

Mr. Goodwin hesitated, feeling the weight of his craving. "Of course not," he thought to himself. "Where else can I get a cinnamon honey-butter anything?"

But he looked at Timmy's face and remembered the times his own children had shown him such kindness, even when he may not have deserved it.

Mr. Goodwin sighed. But he had an inexplicable change of heart and handed the doughnut to Timmy. "Here you go, Timmy. Enjoy it."

Timmy's face lit up with joy. "Thank you, Mr. Goodwin! You're the best!"

As Timmy walked away with his doughnut, Mr. Goodwin suddenly felt a sense of warmth and pride. The villagers, who knew Mr. Goodwin never shared yet had just witnessed this surprising act of generosity, began to cheer and applaud him.

Mrs. Sweetly, also moved by his kindness, approached Mr. Goodwin with a special treat—a beautiful 11-inch, hot apple pie, with a perfectly flaky golden-brown crust and latticed top, its edges crimped with the precision required of a Swiss watchmaker.

"For your selflessness, Mr. Goodwin, I present you with this pie," she said, placing it in his hands. "May your kindness continue to inspire us all."

What do you think the moral of the story is?

• Generosity begets unexpected rewards.

• True contentment comes from putting the needs of others before our own, even when tempted by our desires.

• Kindness and selflessness enrich a community, creating a ripple-effect of goodwill.

…or did you come up with another one?

Let me know what you think by replying to this email.

As always,

Brian

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