With this past Memorial Day marking the unofficial commencement of summer, our family is “off to the beach!” this week. As such, I’m sending out my Weekend Inspiration a day early.
This week I’m sharing a story recounted to me some time ago by an old friend. The teller swore it actually occurred and I have no reason to doubt its veracity.
Some years ago, there was a wise and successful businessman who lived here in Lafayette. He had lived the perfect rags to riches story. He was the son of poor tenant farmer who had no formal education, but he and his wife raised a large family and taught them all the value of getting an education and working hard. The result was that all grew up to be good, productive, and prominent citizens.
This gentleman started working as a young man in the oilfield. He started off as a laborer but over the years advanced into management and ultimately ended up owning a very profitable oil service company. He was noted for his many talents, but all who knew him particularly loved his quick wit and sage advice given, often masked in humor.
After many years of hard work, the day finally came when he decided to retire. He was well into his seventies at the time and his cherished wife convinced him that, after working virtually all of his life, his last years should be spent enjoying his grandchildren, her, and savoring the fruits of their labor. In celebration they held a party at The Petroleum Club.
During the evening, the old gentleman happened into a conversation with a young couple. They had been married for less than a year and he was enchanted by their youthful energy and their obvious enthusiasm for each other.
At some point the topic of children arose and the old gentleman spoke of the most valuable of his life’s riches being his children and grandchildren. Then the man asked, “Surely you all are planning for children?” “Oh yes,” the young wife replied, “as a matter of fact we have been trying diligently for the past few months, but so far we have had no results.”
The old gentleman smiled, and the wink of his eye marked his decision that this was the perfect time for him to dispense with one of his classic witty and wise quips, and I’ll be darned if it wasn’t one of his best – one that, after our initial responsive chuckle, should give us all pause to ponder. He said:
“Never confuse activity with accomplishment.”
Have an AWE-full weekend!
William “Bill” Bacque