Through the Looking Glass

Living in today’s metropolitan world of cellular phones, mobile computers and other high-tech gadgets is not just hectic but very impersonal. We make money and then invest our time and effort in making more money. Does it end? Not usually because we are never satisfied. How many times have we convinced ourselves that if only we had some more money, life would be so sweet? But then, after receiving a substantial raise, we realize that it wasn’t enough and that we need more?

What Should You Do?

I have read many books in my life and listened to many speakers on life and quite a lot seemed to say that money is not necessary. But I’m afraid it is. Can you do without cash and a lot of it? Even though because of my fugal upbringing I know I can’t.

One day when I thought it was time I branched out on my own, I went to my Father and asked for advice that will help me find my true way in life.

He then took me to the window. “What do you see?” he asked me. Promptly, I answered, “I can see people walking to and fro and a blind man is begging at the left corner of the fruit shop.”

Father nodded and guided me to a big mirror we had on the wardrobe door in the trailer. “Now look and tell me what you see?”

“I can see myself,” I answered.

Dad smiled. “Now you can’t see anyone else. The mirror and the window are both created from the same raw material: glass, but because on one of them they have applied a thin layer of silver, when you look at it all you can see is your own reflection.” He placed his arm on my shoulders. “Compare yourself to those two pieces of glass. Without the silver layer, you saw the other people and felt compassion for them. When you are covered with silver, you see only yourself.”

I looked at my Father and stared, I said “I don’t understand.”

He continued. “You will become someone in life only if have the courage to remove the silver covering from your eyes in order to again see and love others.” He patted me on my back and sent me on my way.

I  thought many times during my early life of what he said and soon came to the conclusion that he had a point. Yes. We need money and we should not aim to lead a moneyless existence; It’s pointless and will only cause us and our families many heartaches in the future. Instead, I suggest that we should all follow the advice my Father gave me all those years ago. When we approach life through a silver covering, all we are able to see is ourselves. But discard that covering, and you will be able to see and feel everyone else.

In life, we are allowed to and should be able to look at both kinds of glass, but we should remember that a mirror reflects only us; a window is the door to compassion, health and true wealth. In other words, seek wealth by all means, but don’t let it dissuade you from life, people, children and the poor and needy.

Until next time ………