When we need advice in life, we often look to those who are older than us to provide it. It’s a good idea to do so, because people tend to gain wisdom as they get older and they can share that wisdom with others. There is also something to be said for those who are younger than us, because even children have a type of wisdom that is built into them. It allows them to navigate life during the most difficult years and they just continue to build on that natural wisdom for the rest of their lives. Perhaps that is why this fictional story shows just how wise children can be.
A little boy went into a drug store, reached for a soda carton and pulled it over to the telephone. He climbed onto the carton so that he could reach the buttons on the phone and proceeded to punch in seven digits. Curious, the store-owner observed and listened in on the conversation by leaning in closely.
Boy: Lady, how is your lawn looking? Do you need somebody to mow it?’
Woman (at the other end of the phone line): I already have someone to cut my lawn.
Boy: Lady, I will cut your lawn for half the price of the person who cuts your lawn now.
Woman: ‘Sorry, Im very satisfied with the person who is presently cutting my lawn.’
Boy (with more perseverance) : Lady, Ill even sweep your curb and your sidewalk, so on Sunday you will have the prettiest lawn in all of Palm beach , Florida.
Woman: ‘No, thank you.’
The click of the woman hanging up on the other end could be heard.
With a smile on his face, the little boy replaced the receiver and climbed down off of the carton he was standing on. The store-owner, who heard everything, tapped the boy on the shoulder.
Store Owner: Son I like your attitude; I like that positive spirit and would like to offer you a job. I’m afraid I can’t pay too much, and you’ll have to work hard, but it’ll be better than mowing lawns.
Boy: No thanks.
Store Owner: ‘No thanks? But you sounded pretty desperate just then.’
Boy: But I already have a job sir.
Store Owner: What do you mean! You were really pleading for one on the phone just then.’
Boy: ‘No sir, I was just checking my performance at the job I already have. I am the one who is working for that lady I was talking to. I find that the best person to compare yourself to, is yourself!
The boy left the store, and the owner reflected for a moment. He realized that, in a way, that little boy was more wise than almost all the adults he knew. Including himself.
