One day, the father of a proud and very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how people with little money lived.
They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On the return from their trip, the father asked his son, “How was the trip?”
“It was great, Dad.”
“So, tell me, what did you learn from our visit?” asked the father.
The son answered: “I saw that we have one dog and they had four.
We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.
We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.
Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.
We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.
We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.
We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us. They have friends to protect them.”
The boy’s father was speechless.
Then his son added, “I always thought that we were the wealthy ones, but I think they might be far richer.”
This story reminds of a great children’s book called The Table Where Rich People Sit. It is by Byrd Baylor. The message/theme is very similar. I always read it to my students each year in hopes that they too will realize that money is not what makes one rich.
A wonderful example in getting the clear views of humanity, Principle, Truth and Love.
Seeing through the eyes of a child, often gives us the value of God’s never ending work and presence in our lives.
Dear Evan…this is one of my favorite stories…it reminds me of my mom who raised 8 school age children as a widow (wihtout pension or insurance proceeds..welfare or subsistence…just with prayer to guide her choices and decisions)..and we never felt anything but great wealth (wholeness, completeness)…thanks…I think I will call her and say thank you…again