I got the following message from my mother-in-law. I don't usually pass these along but I thought it was good story about what I believe is our most precious commodity...time. I hope you enjoy.
A young man learns what's most important in life from
the guy next door. It had been some time since Jack
had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life
itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear
across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in
the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to
think about the past and often no time to spend with
his wife nd son. He was working on his future, and
nothing could stop him.
Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died
last night. The funeral is Wednesday." Memories
flashed rough his mind like an old newsreel as he sat
quietly remembering his childhood days.
"Jack, did you hear me?". "Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I
heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him.
I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago,"
Jack said. "Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I
saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce
about the many days you spent over 'his side of the
fence' as he put it," Mom told him.
"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said. "You
know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped
in to make sure you had a man's influence in your
life" she said. "He's the one who taught me
carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business
if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching
me things he thought were important...Mom, I'll be
there for the funeral," Jack said.
As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the
next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was
small and uneventful. He had no children of his own,
and most of his relatives had passed away. The night
before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped
by to see the old house next door one more time.
Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It
was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap
through space and time The house was exactly as he
remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture,
every piece of furniture....Jack stopped suddenly.
"What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked. "The box is
gone," he said "What box?" Mom asked."There was a
small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk.
I must have asked him a thousand times what was
inside. All he'd ever tell me was the thing I value
most." Jack said. It was gone. Everything about the
house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for
the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had
taken it. "Now I'll never know what was so valuable to
him." Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an
early flight home, Mom." It had been about two weeks
since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one
day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature
required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by
the main post office within the next three days," the
note read. Early the next day Jack retrieved the
package. The small box was old and looked like it had
been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was
difficult to read, but the return address caught his
attention. "Mr. Harold Belser" it read. Jack took the
box out to his car and ripped open the package. There
inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands
shook as he read the note inside. "Upon my death,
please forward this box and its contents to Jack
Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A
small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing,
as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the
box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket
watch. Running his fingers slowly over the finely
etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found
these words engraved: "Jack, Thanks for your time!
-Harold Belser." The thing he valued most was...my
time. Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then
called his office and cleared his appointments for the
next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant asked.
"I need some time to spend with my son," he said.
"Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!" "Life
is not measured by the number of breaths we take but
by the moments that take our breath away.
Think about this. You may not realize it, but
it's 100% true.
1. At least 2 people in this world love you so> much
they would die for you.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in
some way.
3. A smile from you can bring happiness to
anyone, even if they don't like you.
4. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they
go to sleep.
5. You mean the world to someone.
6. If not for you, someone may not be living.
7. You are special and unique.
8. When you think you have no chance of getting
what you want,you probably won't get it, but if you
trust God to do what's best, and wait on His time
sooner or later, you will get it or something
better.
9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something
good can still come from it.
10. When you think the world has turned its back
on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back
on t he world.
11. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
12. Always remember the compliments you
received.Forget about the rude remarks.
13. Always tell someone how you feel about them;
you will feel much better when they know and you'll
both be happy
14. If you have a great friend, take the time to let
them know that they are great.
Send this letter to all the people you care
about, if you do so, you will
certainly brighten someone's day and might change
their perspective on
life...for the better.
To everyone I send this to.... Thanks for your
time !
