what it means to be poor...

beggar on the street - beggar on the street asking for money
@andak2007 (3229)
Philippines
February 13, 2007 9:16pm CST
One day 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 poor people can be. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be cosidered a very poor family. On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?", "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 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 serves us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls to protect our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."With this the boy's father was speechless. Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."Too many times we forget what we have and concentrateon what we don't have. What is one person's worthless object it is anothers prize possession. It is all based on one's perspective. Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for all the bounty we have, instead of worrying about wanting more. Take joy in all you have, especially friends.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@ondo1015 (1884)
• Philippines
15 Feb 07
What a nice story and a lesson I never forget. Like me I am poor but rich in my daughters' presence. I gave them a time to play my PC but they don't give a time here in mylot. Which I am doing to earn and pay for bills. But I like them help watch my little Sari2 Store.
• Philippines
14 Feb 07
The boy is so true to tell the truth to his father. We don't realize the importance of so many things. We just concentrate on ourselves that we are so and so and look down upon other people who seem to us to be wanting in so many things not realizing that what they have are worth much more than what we have. This is a very good story.
• India
14 Feb 07
Wonderful story. Reading this story makes me realise that we have to be thankful for what we have. It is true that it is the little things in life which really matter a lot, and yes very importantly friends. Friends are probably the best gift one can ask for