an obvious parable.

This is a parable, and sure as the sea is blue it will contain, at some well planned point, a moral. You, gifted reader, may also have already guessed that this parable will also include an intriguing main character whose actions will be central to the revelation of the moral. If I could even be so bold, in my own writing, I would like to name that character as you, gifted reader; now you are the intriguing and gifted main character of your own parable. Congratulations. Although it is true, and let it be known to all that you are highly gifted, you may yet have a thing or two to learn. You might even be aware of this, since you are after all, gifted and intriguing. The lesson that you learn over the course of your journey will be immensely and eternally valuable in its own right, I assure you, but the journey itself will also be quite significant. I must warn you, there may be some danger along the way, the nature of which I cannot entirely predict, but fear not, you will reach the safety of the clearing quite together. Think to yourself for a few moments what you will take with you on this journey, but I will urge you to travel light, for material goods will not hold up well where you're going. If you could pack it all down to but a handful of ideas and concepts, decide what they would be; a few memories of past lessons and journeys may not be a bad idea to take along as well. Arm yourself with your sharpest wit, and guard yourself well with your best problem solving techniques. You will need both. Take nothing at its face value, oh most gifted and intriguing protagonist. Again I assure you that you will survive these trials for the better in the end, but it seems that I have run out of time to talk to you. This is the end of the parable. Did you catch the Moral?