More Valuable than Gold
As we begin a new financial year, I am sure that like me you are thinking of making this year the beginning of an even more meaningful experience for you and those you love.
One suggestion for this year would be to give your family a new tradition. Traditions are magical! Traditions evoke wonderful memories, give us a sense of belonging and increase our appreciation.
A few years ago whilst I was travelling in the United States a very good friend of mine Lee Brower of Empowered Wealth, related the following story about his experience with a client of his firm. I was impressed and have since looked at ways to create our own family traditions.
Here is what Lee told me:
Several years ago I had the opportunity of attending a family retreat with one of our clients. I had been involved in the preparation of the agenda. The father had asked for special time following dinner and would only tell us that he had something special prepared. I think we were all curious about this special presentation. The retreat was held in a nice hotel. Following the dinner, we retired to a large suite. The father invited me to stay, so, I located myself quietly out of the way in a corner of the room.
The four children ranged in age from 12 to 22 and anxiously sat around the room waiting. The father and mother brought in six elegantly wrapped presents about the size of a bread box and placed them in front of each member of the family. I could tell by the excitement in their eyes that the kids knew there was something very special in the gift. The twelve year old couldn’t stand it and started to tear into the wrapping. “Wait,” the father quietly commanded. “Before we open our gift, I would like us to share some
thoughts.” He then handed each person a 3x5 card where the following verse was professionally inscribed:
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
He asked each of them to share their feelings about that verse. It was a very meaningful discussion and I could see the mood change in the room. It was a genuine good feeling. After about fifteen minutes, he invited them to open their present.
Carefully, they unwrapped their gift and inside was a beautiful, ornate treasure chest with their name embossed on a small brass plate. They were duly impressed. “Can we open them?” they asked. “Sure,” said the father. “Go ahead.” As they each opened the treasure box with great anticipation they were surprised to see that they were empty. The father and mother then got up and handed every family member a note they had written on parchment paper. The father and mother also exchanged notes. Each note began with ……..
I remember when .....
….and then recounted an experience they had had with that person.
Each person took their turn to quietly read their personalised message. They then took turns sharing with each other. They were given pieces of paper and each person was encouraged to share an experience with each member of the family. They decided they would write a new experience on the birthday of each family member as a minimum.
The father then said, “What you have here is something more valuable than gold. Imagine the worth of your treasure box in twenty years. And, when life gets tough and seems overwhelming go to where your heart is for there you will find your treasure…..
If you would like help achieving financial freedom or planning for your future today, we would love to hear from you!
Dean Kavanagh Financial Services Phone: +61 2 9954 5888
Fax: +61 2 9954 5895 Email: enquiries@dkfs.com.au Level 7, 80 Arthur Street,
North Sydney NSW 2060 PO Box 548Milsons Point NSW 1565
|
