A father returned home from a long day at work, and was greeted by his 7-year-old daughter at the door. She looked up at him with her big brown eyes and asked, “Can I have $5 please daddy?”
The father was annoyed by the fact that he had just gotten home, and the first thing out of his daughter’s mouth was a request for money. He told her, “No” and sent her to go play in her room.
After a quick supper, the father retreated to his office for the evening where he focused on his work. At 8:30 he left his office, and made his way towards his daughters room to say good night. As he tucked her in she asked, “Dad, how much money do you make an hour?”.
Again, the father was frustrated and annoyed over the fact that she was again asking about money. He told the young girl that it was none of her business and to go to sleep. The girl’s eyes began to tear, and the father felt a sense of guilt over his actions. In an attempt to make her feel better he said, “If you must know, I make $22 an hour.
Instantly, the girl lit up and ran across the room towards her piggy bank. She poured out all of her savings and began to count out loud. The father simply watched his daughter sort through the pile of coins and bills.
After surpassing the $22 mark the girl ran towards her father with a big smile on her face. She proudly announced, “Dad! I have $22! Now I can afford to pay you for one hour of your time tomorrow!”
Where do you spend your time?
What are your priorities?
It is easy to get wrapped up in one’s work, or in one’s own needs. Sadly, this causes us to neglect those closest to us. Our partners and kids are more than deserving of our time.
Imagine receiving $100 at the start of each day. The money represents the way that we spend our time throughout the day. Some people go to work and blow all their money at the office, leaving nothing left for the people that they come home to. There needs to be a balance. However, in order to have balance, there must first be the recognition of how time is currently being spent.
We get one kick at the can in this life. Time flies, and for those of us with children, they seem to grow before our eyes.
Sit back, and think about how you want to spend your time.