Serving: Are You Feeling Broke?
Three sons attempted to outdo each other for their aged mother’s birthday.
The first son bought his mother a luxurious home on the top of a hill. The home was full of every amenity a new homeowner could desire.
The second son, not as well off as the first, purchased his mother a high-end automobile. The car was decked out with every possible option, ensuring the driver’s every comfort.
The third son, definitely less affluent than his elder brothers, discovered a parrot at a local pet store that could speak. Not only could the parrot carry on conversations, but it could cite scripture, was versed in hundreds of facts, and could even alert its owner in the case of common emergencies in the house.
All of the sons gathered at their mother’s humble home in the middle of town to bestow their gifts and receive their accolades.
She addressed her eldest son first:
“I appreciate the home you bought me, but I’m comfortable where I’m at. All of my friends live around me and everything I need is close at hand. Thank you, but I think I will remain at home.”
“You may not know, but my driver’s license has lapsed and I don’t drive anymore. I prefer to walk the short distance to my local store, visiting my friends and getting in exercise every day. When I need to get somewhere further, I call one of you boys to drive me and we get to spend time together talking and catching up. Thank you, but I don’t need a car.”
“You truly know me. Your gift was wonderful. The chicken you bought me was delicious.”
The Moral of the Story
When thinking of others, put yourself in their shoes, not your own. What may seem important to us may have no bearing on their lives and their happiness. We are all individuals. Thoughtful inflection can find that we are projecting our wants and needs on others; making ourselves feel good about our gestures, not wholeheartedly realizing the other person’s needs.
Keep serving others. Continue to grow and learn to be empathetic to the needs of others. Now go and do.
