One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip >>to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor >>people live.>>They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be >>considered a very poor family.>>>>On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was >>the trip?">>>>"It was great, Dad.">>>>"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.>>>>"Oh yeah," said the son.>>>>"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.>>>>The son answered:>>>>"I saw that we have one dog and they had four.>>>>We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they >>have a creek that has no end.>>>>We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at >>night.>>>>Our patio reaches to>>the front yard and they have the whole horizon.>>>>We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that >>go beyond our sight.>>>>We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.>>>>We buy our food, but they grow theirs.>>>>We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends >>to protect them.">>>>The boy's father was speechless.>>>>Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are.">>>>Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would >>happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of >>worrying about what we don't have.>>>>Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends!>>>>Pass this on to friends and acquaintances and help them refresh >>their perspective and appreciation.>>>>"Life is too short and friends are too few."