This touching story drives home the lesson that all the success, and money in the world cannot buy happiness. But giving and being of service to others brings incredible wealth to both the persons giving and receiving. The interaction between this son and father is so typical of the lack of communication families go through, and the eventual break down that happens in them because of it. If only we could really see one another through the eyes of others, I think we would get a very different perspective of our parents and families.
This father was trying to teach his son the value of generosity, kindness, and love, but his son did not get the lesson until after the father was gone. When we see the impact or influence of the people in our lives after the fact, it can be mind boggling.
“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.” Proverbs 28:27 (NIV)
I grew up very much like this little boy wondering why didn’t we have things other people had, and why we were not rich. I remember my mother was always feeding other people who needed food whenever she could. She could not afford to do that much, but she always gave to others as much as she could. She got such joy out of giving to others, I never understood it until like the son in the video I experienced it. When she was dying friends and family were always at her bedside, and her funeral was attended by hundreds who she had helped and loved. She gave freely and she received it back ten fold, and I suddenly understood my mother.
Here is another great video that discusses generosity and how money really can buy happiness. Watch
