Yesterday I learnt a good lesson, in a not so good way! One of the senior boys approached me asking for a pair of slippers, stating that the one he has is not good. I had a look at them and told him that he could very well use it for a month or so, if he would merely put a stitch or two on them. He wasn't convinced. He wanted a new pair by all means (about a dozen of the other boys had been given just the day before). Finally unable to convince him that I was not keen on purchasing a new pair when the existing pair could be mended, I told him that I'd do the necessary repair for him. And I said that I'd repair it and use it myself. He coolly said, "OK!" With that he followed me to my room and when I gave him my pair of slippers, he tried them on, handed me his pair and left!
I was quite disturbed by what happened. And I asked myself why was I so perturbed? I realized I had told him that I'd exchange the pair of slippers merely to convince him to use the same, not really 'exchange'. His 'matter of fact' attitude in walking away with my footwear was quite irritating. What really calmed my conscience and mind, was this lesson: If they really are MY boys, why would I think twice to give them the best and adjust with the rest myself? Any parent would do that: give the children the best, no matter if they themselves have to totally forgo the same.
I was quite disturbed by what happened. And I asked myself why was I so perturbed? I realized I had told him that I'd exchange the pair of slippers merely to convince him to use the same, not really 'exchange'. His 'matter of fact' attitude in walking away with my footwear was quite irritating. What really calmed my conscience and mind, was this lesson: If they really are MY boys, why would I think twice to give them the best and adjust with the rest myself? Any parent would do that: give the children the best, no matter if they themselves have to totally forgo the same.
No comments:
Post a Comment