1 ÷ 2 = 2?
Before you raise your eyebrow let me share you the nice homily the priest shared this morning.
He told as the story of his priest-friend assigned in a poor barrio. Since the parish is so poor the children were not able to attend school so in his free time the priest teaches the children simple math, science, and other things young children should be learning in school. So one day it was math day so he ask the children what is 1 divided by 2. One boy proudly raise his hand. The priest gestured him to stand and answer the question. The boy proudly said two.
Upon hearing this the priest was a bit taken aback. He has been teaching this children simple math and his question is even simple and yet the boy gave the wrong answer. But he thought first how he could correct such wrong answer. So instead of scolding or pointing out to the boy why his answer was wrong, he asks the boy to explain. The boy took out his kamote(sweet potato) baon. He went in front and showed everyone by cutting his kamote into two that is why 1 divided by 2 is equal to two.
The priest finally understood. It was neither an error. It was actually correct to say that the boy now has two halves. But beyond having two halves the priest now understands what sharing means.
Now why I am writing a topic about sharing?
Being an investor gives you an advantage over others who have none. And as I and other investing advocates has always taught:the best way to enjoy one’s blessing is by sharing it.
I am writing this because lately it is sad to note that most of the young Pinoys out there are buried in debt. There could be lots of reasons why they fall into debt. One could be because of bad spending habit, towering medical bills of an ill family member, sudden unemployment, and the worst is getting into trouble(unexpected or illegally). On the other part people who lend the money are now furious and some disappointed. The person who asks help might be a friend, a co-worker, or a relative and promised to give it back in a few days but failed to do so thus putting the lender in a dilemma.
That is why as much as possible don’t ever fall into debt unless it is a good debt. If you are a Christian you might find the warning in the Bible that the borrower is the slave of the lender. One problem I see in this generation as well is that parents in their old age seem to be a burden to their children. Lots of parents now are dependent to their children for their day-to-day living. I am not saying that children shouldn’t but the situation is not so good. Also some siblings now became dependent to other siblings who are earning thus they tend to stop looking for job for themselves thinking their brother or sister is there to do that. Because of this cycle most young Pinoys who have employment always try to find escape. They either go out-of-town every other week(every payday), or go out drinking after work, or go out in a fancy restaurant just to convince themselves that they are enjoying what they are working for.
The concept of sharing is abused. Sharing should be freely given. Sharing should give the giver joy. But if such act doesn’t then it is not sharing; it is more of a burden, an obligation.
I would like to advice young parents of today to instead of giving all the best for your young children today try to save some for yourself in the future. Don’t expect your young kids today to be able to provide for you when they start working. For sure their salary in their future employment won’t be enough to support themselves. If you truly love them make sure that in your old age you can provide for yourself.
But let’s go back to sharing.
I also want to inculcate or instill in you that sharing is indeed a good thing as long as it is not abused which you will say is impossible. People who are desperate would do anything for now and not think of the consequences. If a friend asks for help and offer to pay you tell them instead that you can only give them such amount as a help without expecting any return. You are not lending but rather helping out. For those asking for help by loaning it make sure you can keep your promise to pay. You don’t know that they might be in the same situation as you are but out of pity they lend you.
Just like the little boy who cut his kamote into two, share whatever you can. If it is only a few pesos, a few time, a little advice or whatever you can share give without expecting any return. Give what you have so that you wont fall into the lender dilemma.
source: http://article.wn.com
I read a friend’s FB status and it really makes me smile at the same time cry. It makes me cry because up to now even in our country’s economic boom lots of young Pinoys are in the streets begging, not getting proper care,and not getting education that will make them the future of the country. It makes me smile though that even a little Piattos can make two souls happy. To see and hear the wonder of an overwhelmed young soul and even asking to assure if the Piattos is really for him or her would really uplift the giver’s heart.
Sharing your blessings is the best way to enjoy it. So how are you sharing your blessings today and tomorrow? I hope you be one of the good souls out there reaching to other souls out there.
Be a blessing.
About the blogger
Louis Delos Angeles is a Certified Public Accountant, blogger behind Investing in Philippines, and author of Investing in Stocks: Preparing for the future small amount at a time. Check him out in Google+ Learn more about Louis and his financial freedom advocacy here.
Hi, nice to read your “homily” today. I am sharing it in my FB account. All the best.
Thanks ruvilnam. I’m sorry it sounded like a homily but I guess I got the message across 🙂