Learning from Others
On his last day in this world, my father made a request I did not quite understand.
He wanted his obituary published in three specific national newspapers.
Why three? Why those newspapers? In the midst of preparing to lose him, these seemed unlikely details to worry about. But I agreed and, after he passed away, carried out his wish.
How many times do you get frantic calls seeking help in your area of expertise? Professionals measure this as a sign of their popularity. They also might have devised a method to manage the same, effectively. But if you are approached for help suddenly, do you feel elevated or obliged?
Wake up! It is most likely that the man seeking out for your help is in crisis. We reach out to people for help when we feel distressed. Taking advice during peace time is a rare commodity in the current, know-it-all generation. Chances are high that we the grown-ups, use the occasion right royally! What should we do, instead?
A Boy was bathing in a river and got out of his depth, and was in great danger of being drowned. A man was passing along a road heard his cries for help, and went to the riverside and began to scold him for being so careless as to get into deep water, but made no attempt to help him. “Oh Sir,” cried the Boy, “please help me first, and scold me afterwards.”
~ Aesop’s fable.
Give assistance, not advice, in a crisis!