Inspirational Story

The Window

Even a small view can brighten a whole world.

"I really should have taken on this project last spring," my friend said.

"You know they're talking about some cold weather and flurries in the next few days," I replied.

"I'll get it done. But the guy said that little window is a waste of time," he said pointing to the back of his house.

"Why a waste of time? It's a window. It needs to be replaced."

"Well, he said by the time he fits the new thermal one in there it will look like a gun turret," he said laughing.

He had been taking about this for years. Well, his wife was. He'd listen and put it off. That is until now.

"I know I should have done this years ago. My wife June would even calculate how much money we would have saved just in heating costs each year," he said shaking his head.

"I guess you could have paid for them with that savings?"

"Don't remind me. She did."

"So all her nagging got to you finally," I said.

"No, now it's for even better reasons."

Grabbing his tape measure he walked over to the window nearby.

"I need to let the world inside," he said.

I waited for moment thinking there had to be a better explanation then that.

"June is having some trouble. Her memory, our memories are getting lost along the way now. She had to stop working and volunteering at the school," he said.

Then shuffling his feet through the pile of leaves in front of him, he continued.

"She has beginning signs of Alzheimer's."

We remained quiet, standing there just knowing there was little I could say.

Then stepping back he suddenly changed the subject as he pointed to that small window upstairs again.

"I didn't want to replace it. It really seemed like a waste of time. I wanted to make sure all the windows were big and bright so that June could see the world around us everyday. She has brightened my world forever."

"Well, your window man said it was going to be too small. Maybe if you explained it to June."

"I did. That's why I'm working on this project now. I told her that window would be too small to appreciate the view," he said.

Then lifting his head to look at that window on the second floor, he said, "Her reply was, 'It doesn't matter what you're looking through, it's what you choose to see.'"

Sometimes when you are facing challenges in life, your choices appear to be so limited and your view of the world so narrow and bleak.

But it really doesn't matter what you're going through either. It's what you choose to see.

By Bob Perks

Bob Perks is an author, storyteller, trainer, and motivational speaker whose specialty is human potential. His message--'I believe in you!'--has resonated with thousands of people who are seeking to increase their self-esteem and communication skills.