Do the worries of life get in the way of being truly thankful for all that you have? If so, you’ll want to read this story.
One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.
They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered 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 live?” the father asked.
“Oh yeah,” said the son.
“So tell me, 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 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 boys father was speechless.
Then his son added, “Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are.”
Perspective is truly a wonderful thing. It really makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything
we have instead of worrying about what we don’t have. May each of us find a way to be thankful for what we have, especially for the amazing people in our lives. Let us not worry about all the things that we don’t have but appreciate and be thankful for all the things that we do have. For everything that we have been given in this life has been given out of the generosity and love of God.
You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God. ~2 Corinthians 9:11
Is your life lacking something? Find out here.
Thank you my Brother
That was not what I was expecting to read.
God Bless you and your family.
Ah, the element of surprise – always an effective spiritual tool. May God bless you and your family as well.
Great story and so true, Allen. In the past, my prayers were of petition mostly. Once I realized the importance of saying thank you to others, I also began thanking God first along with praise and adoration. Eventually, there was little need for petition since I found in my prayer of thanksgiving more complete. I found I did not need to ask for more because I realized that I had received more from God than I expected.
Do I pray for better health or be thankful for the good health I still have, that is the question?
So true! Our loving God constantly gives and gives far beyond what we ask. And for that, we should always be thankful. And for the question on whether to pray for better health or be thankful for the good health you still have, I believe the answer is yes to both. May God continue to strengthen you for the journey that he has planned for you.
Thought provoking story. Thanks for sharing. Peace to you and your family.
My pleasure. I hope you and your family are doing well. God bless.