Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Rex Barker here with,

"Do You Know What You Really Want?"

An American investment banker was at the pier of a small Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

The Mexican replied, "Only a little while."

The American then asked, "Why didn't you stay out longer and catch more fish?"

The Mexican said, "With this I have more than enough to support my family's needs."

The American then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"

The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life."

The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing; and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat: With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats. Eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor; eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then Los Angeles and eventually New York where you will run your ever-expanding enterprise."

The Mexican fisherman asked, "But, how long will this all take?" To which the American replied, "15 to 20 years." "But what then?" asked the Mexican.

The American laughed and said that's the best part. "When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions."

"Millions?...Then what?"

The American said, "Then you would retire, move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."

NOW WHO MAKES MORE SENSE? ENJOY YOURSELF WHILE YOUNGER OR WAIT UNTIL YOU'RE TOO OLD TO ENJOY YOURSELF?

14 comments:

Arkansas Patti said...

I think I have the heart of a Mexican fisherman.

Sister--Helen said...

Hi Patty...I have not been commenting but have been visiting daily....I hope you are feeling great and life is good to you right now....God Bless you and I do love your posts...

Merle said...

Dear Patty ~~ Great story, thanks.
He would have ended up as he is at present. A lot of effort to end up the same. I enjoyed that one.
Thanks for your comments on my post
and Poor Paddy got a shock and so would his wife.
I hope you enjoyed having another daughter visiting for a meal. I hope you got your laundry finished. Hope Abe's tests were good and I hope you are happy with your hair. Take care, dear friend
Love, Merle.

mommanator said...

how true, smart Mexican

Beth Niquette said...

Haaaa...SO true! What a fun story--and eye-opening, too.

To enjoy the moment is indeed a rare talent.

Helen said...

No who is the smart one in this discussion LOL? Helen

Lady Di Tn said...

Good point. Peace

Beth Niquette said...

Hi, Patty! In response to your question--yes, I have seen the Dover catalogs--drooled over them for years. (Grin) I still have some of them from when I would get them at George Fox University when I worked there.

That is a great idea--I haven't thought of Dover for years, and I bet they have an online webpage these days!

Thank you!

Beth Niquette said...

I was just reading the comments here--Abe is having tests? Well, you don't have to say what they are, just know I'm praying for good results. Scary times--I remember when my own darling husband had to go in for tests.

Hang in there.

Anonymous said...

I would want the life of the Mexican.

And I try to brush kitty or talk nice to him each day so he doesn't bite me.

Anonymous said...

I would want the life of the Mexican.

And I try to brush kitty or talk nice to him each day so he doesn't bite me.

Renie Burghardt said...

Good story with a good moral. The Mexican knows what it takes to make him happy and content.

Have a good night, Patty.

Renie

Cheryl said...

Ah very thought-provoking!

Carl H. Sr. said...

Hi Patty,
That is a wonderful and very wisdom filled story.
I like it a lot,and will definitely have to share it!
Peace be with you and your's Patty,
carl