I ran into a stranger, as he passed by.

"Oh, excuse me please," was my reply.

He said, "Oh, please, excuse me too;

I wasn't even watching; I didn't see you."

We were very polite, this stranger and I.

We went on our way, and we said goodbye.

But at home, a different, story is told,

How we treat our loved ones, young and old.

Later that day, near the evening meal,

My son stood beside me, very still.

When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.

"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.

He walked away, his little heartbroken.

I didn't realize how, harshly I'd spoken.

Later that night, while I lay awake in bed,

God's still small voice, came to me and said,

"When dealing with a stranger, such courtesy you use,

But the children you love, you seem to abuse.

Go into the kitchen, and look on the floor,

You'll find some rocks, there by the door.

Those are the rocks, he brought for you.

He picked them carefully: some are rough, some smooth.

He stood quietly, not to spoil the surprise,

And you never ever saw, the tears in his eyes."

By this time…I felt, very, very small

And now my tears, they began to fall.

I walked in his room, and knelt by his bed;

"Wake up, little boy, wake up," I said.

"Are these the rocks, you found for me?"

He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.

I picked 'em out by myself, That one's so smooth.

I knew you'd like it.  It's especially for you."

I said, "Thank you so much, and I really want to say,

I am very sorry, for how I acted today;

I should not have yelled, at you, that way."

He said, "That's okay, Daddy. I love you anyway."

I said, "Son, I love you too.  Now, why don't we pray."

Are you aware that:

-If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days.

-But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.

-And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than to our family…an unwise investment indeed.

- Author Unknown

Meditation: Whoever brings ruin on their family will inherit only wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise. – Proverbs 11:29 (NIV)

You will succeed in Jesus Name!

Also read:

All Just Part of My Job!
Gratitude for the Little Things
A Bowl of Noodles from a Stranger