The Gift

A young man was getting ready to graduate college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer’s showroom. Knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.

As Graduation Day approached, the young man waited for signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.

He lost his temper

Curious, but disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a beautiful, leather-bound Bible. Angrily, he shouted at his father, “With all your money you just give me a Bible?” And he stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book, and his father, behind.

Many years passed. The young man became very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and a wonderful family. But he thought about his father, who had grown old.

They never saw each other again

He had not seen him since that graduation day. But before he could make arrangements to go to him, he received a telegram telling him his father had died, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately to take care of things.

When the man arrived at his father’s house, sadness and regret filled his heart. Searching through his father’s important papers, he found the still new Bible, just as he had left it, years before. In tears, he began to turn the pages and read its words.

He had everything he wanted but didn’t see it

Something dropped from an envelope taped to the Bible. A car key with a dealer’s tag, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words PAID IN FULL.

What a tragedy

As I read these words my heart saddened as this son can never make amends for his reaction to the gift he imagined his father had given him. He wanted the sports car and his father had bought the car for him but for a surprise he had hidden the keys in the bible.

He missed the surprise

How desperately sad that the father had to live with this until he died, and his son will have to live with this until he dies. He can’t do a thing to change the situation – it is too late. His son lost his temper and never saw his father again. They both missed wonderful years together which could never be replaced.

Pride and hurt stopped them reconnecting and it damaged them both. How sad that something so small could result in something so huge and life changing.

Great to inspire years 11 and 12

This week has been a good busy week where I have sent out many emails to new potential clients, coached a top client and I inspired 300 year 11 and 12 pupils at Arnold Hill Academy. What a privilege it is to share my techniques on Mental Resilience to young minds. I believe that the simple techniques and philosophy I share will help these students for years to come.

Thoughts for the week:

1. Do you have anyone in your life who you have fallen out with?
2. Is there a possibility that you can reconnect with them, even if they hurt you?
3. Sometimes if you make the first move they will move towards you and provide the connection for potential healing.
4. Life is much happier if you don’t have anyone in your life who you have fallen out with. You live with a peace in your heart.

Well that’s it for this week have a wonderful weekend and stay positive.

Warm regards

John

Off the Wall – How to Develop World Class Mental Resilience available here
https://www.jdmindcoach.com/product/off-the-wall-how-to-develop-world-class-mental-resilience/ (Special offer. Put in code 10POUND when prompted to receive a signed copy for £10 including postage and packing – UK only)