As we gather during these holidays, we will see people we normally do not see throughout the year. When we converse with them, we say things like: “We should meet like this more often;” or, “I haven’t seen you in ages,” and other comments like that.
It’s really unfortunate that we allow work, “busyness,” projects, and other things to get in the way of important relationships. I have noticed that even families complain about the lack of relationship time.
I ran into an article that describes this problem perfectly. I don’t know the original author, but the story is worth sharing with you now:
A man came from work late again, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door. “Daddy, may I ask you a question?” “Daddy, how much money do you make an hour?” “That’s none of your business. What makes you ask such a thing?” the man said angrily. ” I just want to know.” Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?” pleaded the boy. “If you must know, I make $20.00 an hour.” “Oh,” the little boy replied, head bowed. Looking up, he said, “Daddy, may I borrow $10.00 please?” The father was furious. “If the only reason you wanted to know how much money I make is just so you can borrow some to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you’re being so selfish. I work long, hard hours everyday and don’t have time for such childish games.”
The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door. The man sat down and started to get even madder about the little boy’s questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money. After an hour or so, the man had calmed down, and started to think he may have been a little hard on his son. Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $10.00 and he really didn’t ask for money very often. The man went to the door of the little boy’s room and opened the door. “Are you asleep son?” “No daddy, I’m awake,” replied the boy. “I’ve been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier,” said the man. It’s been a long day and I took my aggravation out on you. Here’s that $10.00 you asked for.” The little boy sat straight up, beaming. “Oh, thank you daddy” he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow, he pulled out some more crumpled up bills. The man, seeing that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, then the father asked his son, “Why did you want more money if you already had some?”.
“Because I didn’t have enough, but now I do,” the little boy replied. “Daddy, I have $20.00 now. Can I buy an hour of your time?” Needless to say, the father was shocked and saddened at the way he had treated his son. All along, his son only wanted to spend some time with his father, and he thought the only way to get to spend some time with him was to buy an hour.
During this Christmas season, remember the most important things are not “things.” The most important things are relationships. In all of your giving and celebrating, never forget your ministry to family and NEVER forget your relationship with God. That is number one.
Applying wisdom to everyday life for extraordinary results,
Pastor Victor Nazario
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