The Chofetz Chaim zt’l told over a mashal of a simple farmer who saved the king’s life. To reward him, the king granted the farmer permission to enter his treasury for one hour and take whatever he desires.

As the day of the reward got closer, the king began worrying that the farmer will grab too much. The king made some inquiries and found out which foods the farmer liked and the type of music he enjoyed listening to. The king then set up a food stand near the treasury entrance, with a beautiful and lavish display of the farmer’s favorite foods. A band was also there, playing the farmer’s favorite music.

The farmer couldn’t resist partaking in the food, and he also spent some time watching the band play his favorite music. By the time he was ready to enter the treasury, he shouted in agony, “Only a few minutes left!” The hour almost passed, and he hadn’t yet started collecting his reward.

The nimshal is that people become occupied in their pursuit of material pleasures, and they forget to take advantage of Torah and mitzvos, which will grant them endless reward. ~ R’ Elimelech Biderman Shlita