Parable of the Day: Little Boy Asks Dad for Money

Richard is a single father who works as a freelancer. He has a 14-year-old son, Liam. Although he spends a lot of his time working from home, he hardly spends time with his child.

Liam knows this and has been watching his dad for most of his teenage years. It makes him sad that he does not have a father and son relationship with him.

One day, he asked him how much he earns per hour. However, instead of answering his son, Richard got offended and got upset, telling him that it is none of his business.

Liam was shattered, and when asked why he wanted to know, he replied, "I just want to know. Please tell me how much do you make an hour?”

Reluctantly, Richard told him that he makes $50 per hour. “Oh,” little Liam replied with his head down. He then looked up and asked his dad to borrow him $30.

Richard became furious and said if it was the only reason he asked how much he earns to borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some sort, he should go to his bedroom.

He told him to think about why he was selfish. Richard reminded his son that he works hard for his money and disapproves of his childish behavior.

Liam quietly left and headed to his room, and shut the door. His father sat down and thought about what he had asked of him and got even angrier about his questions.

"How dare he ask such questions only to get some money?" he thought to himself. Then, after an hour, he calmed down and started to think maybe he really wanted to purchase something with the $30.

He knew his son did not ask for money frequently. Richard then walked to Liam's room and opened the door, asking him if he was sleeping.

"No, Dad, I'm awake," Liam replied. Richard told him that he may have been hard on him earlier on and said it was a long day and took out his frustrations on him.

He reached for his pocket and gave his son the $30 he asked for. Liam got up from his bed and smiled, very happy, and thanked his dad. Then, Liam reached under his pillow and pulled out crippled notes.

When Richard saw he had money, he started getting angry again. Liam slowly counted the money with his father watching and looked up at him. Richard asked why he asked him for money if he already had some.

Liam told him he did not have enough, and now he does. "Daddy, I have $50 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you." Richard was flabbergasted.

The moral of this story is that it is a short reminder for all workaholics. We should not allow time to slip through our fingers without spending some time with those who care deeply for us.

If you enjoyed reading this parable, read up on another about a teenager who lived alone with his father and who did his best to raise him.