Story 2: The Lighthouse Keeper

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...It made me think about the story of the lighthouse-keeper that my grandfather used to tell me. 

The lighthouse-keeper had only a limited amount of oil to keep his beacon lit so that passing ships could avoid the rocky shore. 

One night, the elderly man who lived close by needed to borrow some oil to light his home, so the lighthouse-keeper gave him some. 

Another night, a traveler begged for some oil to light his lamp so he could continue his journey. 
The lighthouse-keeper also complied with this request and gave him the oil he needed. 

The next night, the lighthouse-keeper was awakened by a mother banging on his door. She prayed for some oil so that she could illuminate her home and feed her family. Again he agreed. 

Soon all his oil was gone and his beacon went out. 

Many ships ran aground and many lives were lost because the lighthouse-keeper forgot to focus on his priority. 

He neglected his primary duty and paid a high price.