The Best Dad 542.4
Years ago I heard a story of a dad named Paul who gave his young son a small chalkboard to practice writing on. One evening his son called out from the bedroom, "Dad, how do you spell best?" Paul told him.
Moments later, the boy hollered: "How do you spell kid?" Finally he asked, "How do you spell ever?"
When the boy presented him with the sentence he had written on the chalkboard, Paul expected to see "I am the best kid ever." Instead, the boy beamed as he gave his dad this message: "You are the best dad a kid can ever have."
Paul recalled that it was one of the best days of his life. In fact, he had to buy his son another chalkboard because he wanted to save this message forever and hang it on his wall. It’s still there.
Feeling appreciated is enormously important to adults as well as children. So much so that we often don’t think enough about what we’d most like to be appreciated for.
Being appreciated at work is a big deal. Who doesn’t want approval and respect from one’s boss and coworkers? Beyond the economic value of raises, promotions, and commendations, praise can be gratifying and motivating. That’s why good employers look for opportunities to acknowledge and thank employees for their contributions.
Yet as meaningful as work recognition is, if you could choose between winning your child’s "Best Dad a Kid Can Ever Have" award and being named "Best Employee," which would you choose?
The point is not to belittle the pursuit of approval in your business life but to remind you how much more meaningful it is to know you’re important to and appreciated by the people who love you and need you the most. And your most important job in life is to be worthy of that appreciation.
Being the "best ever" mom or dad, husband or wife, or friend -- it just doesn’t get any better than that.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
Comments
How about "Best Ethics Mentor a Person Can Ever Have" award? Drum roll please---and the award goes to Michael Josephson!!!
Thank you Michael for your tireless and steady climb up Integrity Mountain!Please keep on LEADING the charge for the "6 Pillars of Character" lived out everywhere and all the time by everyone. Your enlisted ethics recruits are behind you now and forever. Seriously, thank you and "Surely goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life." Psalm 23
Happy early Birthday!!!Grateful beyond words, Vicki, Jim, plus millions of other human beings...
Posted by: Vicki Middleton | November 29, 2007 8:52 PM
Hi.
I aprecciate your comnentaries on character so much. I think it should be used by teachers all over the world in order to develop youngsters' character.
however, I have a question: why isn't the commentary audio no longer available?
Posted by: Kleber | November 30, 2007 4:56 AM
Dear Michael,
Life with character and ethics is indeed a tough proposition.
But every time I read your articles, I realize,I reflect and try my level best to follow them.
I have now started to appreciate myself. Thank you for all that hard work and thought you put into.
Have a great, pleasant birthday. May God always bless you.
Thank you
Ann
Posted by: ann | November 30, 2007 4:59 PM
thank you so much. your words make life in this world possible and enjoyable.
Posted by: alia | November 30, 2007 9:30 PM
Thank God you were born.
your life makes a big difference to all in your reach, and through us to all in our reach. Marie
Posted by: marie o'brien | December 2, 2007 4:02 PM
Thanks so much for your commentaries Michael. I read them daily,their like taking a vitiman they make me feel wonderful
Posted by: Bobby Marquez | December 3, 2007 10:17 AM
You are awesome. I know it is very difficult to live each day among those that are clueless, character being foreign as well as the manners that go with. Most are abscent where others are concerned. If only we could make it manditory much like math, english, or history, you know, actually expect our society to stand up and realize the importance of your effort, my effort and I'd like to think everyones combined effort...
Happiest of Birthdays!!! We like to call them birthday week...
Thank you so very much for all that you do.
May God Bless you and yours always,
Victoria
Posted by: Victoria L Kay | December 7, 2007 11:22 AM