An Hour Of Time
An Hour Of Time
Tim was disappointed that his father didn't attend the last soccer game of
the season, but he wasn't surprised. Tim was a mature 10-year old and he
understood that lots of clients depended on his dad, a lawyer, who had to
work most nights and weekends. Still, it made him sad, especially since this
year he won the league's most valuable player award.
One evening Tim got up the nerve to interrupt his father's work at home to
ask him how much lawyers make per hour. His father was annoyed and gruffly
answered, "They pay me $300 an hour."
Tim gulped and said, "Wow, that's a lot. Would you lend me $100?"
"Of course not," his father barked. "Please, let me work."
Later, the father felt guilty and went to Tim's room where he found him sobbing.
"Son," he said, "I'm sorry. If you need some money, of course I'll lend it
to you. But can I ask why?"
Tim said, "Daddy, I know your time is really worth a lot and with the $200
I've already saved, I'll have enough. Can I buy an hour so you can come to
the awards banquet on Friday?"
It hit his father like a punch to the heart. He realized his son needed him
more than his clients did. He needed to be there for his son more than he
needed money or career accolades. He hugged him and said, "I'm so proud of
you, nothing could keep me away."
Lots of parents are stretched to their limit trying to balance business demands
and family needs. It's always a matter of priorities. But if we don't arrange
our lives to be there for our children, they will regret it - and after it's
too late, so will we.
It's nearly christmas time... a great time of year to appreciate what we DO have!!
