In this special time of the year, besides doing too many tasks together in order to make time to prepare for celebrations, we also have the opportunity to reflect on our deep values: love, companionship, respect for and appreciation of important people in our lives....
Here is a little story to invite us to focus on what we really cherish:
A Different Christmas Story
A week before Christmas, Dan came home from work late as usual. He found his 5-year-old son, Jack, waiting for him at the front door. After greeting him, his son nervously asked if he could ask him a question.
What is it? Dan said, rather brusquely.
Daddy, how much do you earn in an hour?
Why do you need to know that? Dan responded angrily.
I just need to know. Daddy, please tell me how much you make an hour?
If you must know, I make $25 an hour.
Oh,' Jack replied, with his head down. and then:
'Daddy, may I please borrow $10?
Dan became exasperated, telling Jack to go straight to bed for wanting to waste money on some silly toy. The boy left quietly.
But when Dan had calmed down, he realized Jack never asked for money before. He wondered what he could have wanted it for. Dan went to the door of his son's room and quietly asked his little boy if he was sleeping.
No daddy, I'm awake, replied Jack.
I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier, said Dan. It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you.
Here's the $10.00 you asked for.
Jack sat up, smiled, gave his father a hug and cried ‘Thank you daddy!’ Then he reached under his pillow and pulled out some crumpled up notes. Dan noticed the money and began to get angry again.
Why did you want money if you already had some? He protested.
But his son was counting the money, and took a moment before looking at his father again.
Because I didn't have enough, but now I do, the little boy replied.
Daddy, I have $25 now. Can I buy an hour of your time?
Please come home early on Christmas Eve so I get to have dinner with you.
Dan felt horrible. He hugged his son and asked for his forgiveness: ‘I have been so blind to the need we have to be together! I will do better from now on!’
This is just a reminder to all of you who work so hard. You are in serious danger of confusing income with love...Please, don’t let time go by without sharing it with those who really matter to you, you will not remember later when money was short, but your loved ones will remember when love was abundant!
Watch your opportunities to touch the people around you, because they depend on your love. Then, pass this message on...Your friends and family will thank you!
Neil Warner
Creative Conflict Resolutions
3415 Galt Ocean Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33308