The Young Man and the Raven

(A parable by Christopher Kent)

There was once a young man who lived in a small village. Because he had now come of age, it was time for him to leave the village and set out on his own to seek his fortune.
One warm, clear night, concerned about his future, he walked out under the stars until he found a pond filled with floating lotus flowers. He looked up at the sky and said, “Oh great and wise universe, please let me know if my future will be happy and successful.”
Suddenly he saw a raven flying toward him. It landed in a tree nearby, and he realized the raven had been sent to give him his answer.
“Wise raven, please tell me what my future holds,” he said to the bird.
The raven replied: “Your life will work out very well.”
“So I will find that which I am seeking?” the young man asked.
“I didn’t say that,” replied the raven.
“But what will happen if I don’t find what I’m looking for?” the young man asked.
“Your life will work out very well,” the raven replied, “but you may not notice.”