Money Can't Always Buy Happiness!

Poverty or Plenty: A Perspective

The following story is unattributed:

A father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose of showing his son how much poverty exists in the world. They spent several days and nights on the farm of a very poor family.

On their way home from their trip, the father asked his son, “How was the trip?” The son’s answer? “It was great, Dad!” “Did you see how poor people can be?” the father asked. “Oh yeah,” said the son.

“So, what did you learn from the trip?” asked the father. The son continued, “I saw that we have one dog and they had four, we have a pool with a fountain and spa, and they have a creek that flows across their land. We have lanterns in our garden, and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard, and they have the whole horizon.”

The boy went on, “We have a nice yard in our gated neighborhood, and they have fields that go as far as the eye can see. We have servants who work for us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, and they have friends to protect them.”

With this the boy’s father was speechless. Then his son finally said, “Thanks Dad, for showing me how poor we are.”

Too many times we forget what we have and concentrate on what we don’t have. What is one person’s worthless object is another’s prize possession. It is all based on one’s perspective. It makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for the bounty we have, instead of worrying about wanting more. Take joy in all you have!