There was once a boy from a wealthy family. One day, his father decided to take him on a trip to the countryside with the intention of showing him how less fortunate people live. They visited a farm that, from the father’s perspective, belonged to a very poor family. The two of them stayed there for several days.
When they returned home, the father asked his son how he had enjoyed the trip.
“It was wonderful, Dad,” the boy replied.
“And did you notice how poor people live?” the father asked.
“Yes, I did,” the boy said.
Encouraging him to share more, the father asked for his impressions. The boy began:
“Well, they have four dogs, while we only have one. Our garden has a swimming pool, but theirs opens onto an endless river. We have expensive electric lights, but they have the stars above them at night. We have a patio, but they have the entire horizon. Our land is small, while they have vast open fields. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We put up high fences to protect our property, but they don’t need them because their friends keep them safe.”
The father was left speechless. Then the boy added softly, “Thank you, Dad, for showing me how poor we really are.”