Theme: Honesty, Faith in God, Divine Providence

True wealth

Adalberto had become unemployed, and the lack of money was beginning to be felt by his family.

He and his wife prayed to God for help so that he could get another job as soon as possible so that he could pay the bills and his family to return to a simple but peaceful life.

The children knew the situation. One day Alexander, talking with Adalberto about the subject, said:

- Dad, I'm starting to get worried. What will it be like if you don't get another job?

Then the father calmly answered his son:

- Don't worry, Alex. I am sure God is taking care of our situation. I am honest, I am healthy and I like to work. Soon this period of needs will end.

- But then why doesn't God solve it soon? Why is He waiting until we start to get worried and sad, without money? - Asked the boy in anguish.

- I don't know for sure, son. He may want to teach us how hard it is to run out of money so we can have compassion for those who go through it later. Or it may also be for me to value the new job when I got it. You know, there are people who complain a lot about work, even without reason. Do not try hard to be a good contributor. It isn´t polite to colleagues, nor respectful to boss. When we recognize how good it is to have a job which we can be useful and still support our family, we value more the opportunity God gives us - Adalberto explained.

And ending the conversation, he smiled and said:

- Go playing, don´t worry! God is taking care of everything and soon everything will be better!

Alexander felt confident with his father's words. He took his skateboard and went to the square near his house. There he met some friends, with whom he talked and had fun, training maneuvers.

As he was leaving, passing a bank on the square, he noticed that there was a wallet lying on the floor.

Alexander stopped, took the wallet and looked around. There was no one around. He opened the wallet and saw that there was a lot of money in it, in valuable notes.

- Wow! It must be some rich man's wallet! Is this how God is providing money for us? But I can't stay with it, my God! It would not be right! What if it's from someone who just received the salary? - considered the boy.

Alexander began to think what to do. He didn't think it was right to keep the wallet, nor leave it there, because other person than the owner could find it and steal it. Then he put the wallet in his shorts pocket and sat on the bench.

- I'll wait a while. If the owner comes back, I'll give it back to him, or I can give it to some guard who comes by - he thought.

And so he did. But he didn't have to wait long. Then he spotted a well-dressed, hurried, afflicted man who had been looking at the ground for something. Arriving near Alexander the man said:

- Hello boy! Please, I lost my wallet. I really want to find it. Didn't you see it?

- How is it? - Asked Alexander, to confirm that he was the owner himself.

The man described the wallet and Alexander immediately took it from his pocket and handed it over. The man sighed with relief and thanked him very much. The boy then stood up and with a mischievous smile said:

- Good, now I can go home. You didn´t take long! Even a rich person doesn't like to lose that amount of money, does it?

The man, impressed by Alexander's spontaneity and even more by his honesty, replied:

- Yeah, I have plenty of money! But money is just money. Even a thief can get it. I really try to be really rich! As rich as you! You have good character. This is true wealth, which we do not lose on the street and it cannot be stolen. What's your name?

Alexander answered and they started talking. The boy, a little embarrassed by the compliment, said he wanted to be like his father, who was honest and hardworking.

The man wanted to know what his father was doing, and Alexander told the current situation of his family. As they talked, the night came. The man told to walk Alexander to his house so that the boy would not return alone in the dark.

Adalberto opened the door for them. The man introduced himself and said what happened, praising once again the boy and his father who had raised him so well.

Adalberto, thrilled, gave his son a hug, exalting his conduct.

The man then said that he had to go. But before leaving, he said:

- Mr. Adalberto, Alexandre told me that you are looking for a job. I own a large company and will be delighted if you can join us! Here is my card.

Adalberto could hardly believe it. He took the card, thanked him very much and said he would look for it the very next day. They said goodbye and the man was gone.

Adalberto closed the door and then hugged Alexander and his wife with euphoria. Later, with the family together, he prayed moved to thank God for the teachings they had and for the Father's providences, which never abandoned them.
 

Translation:
Larissa Martine - larissa_am@hotmail.com

marcelapradacontato@gmail.com