There was a family, much like any other. They had been eagerly planning a trip to Disneyland, the anticipation bubbling over in every conversation.
Family vacation pictures were a must, and they could hardly contain their excitement!
With the car packed, snacks ready, and everyone settled in, they were prepared for the long seven-hour drive ahead.
Just before starting the engine, the mother turned to the children. “We’re all looking forward to a wonderful trip to Disneyland. It’s a long drive, so there will be no whining, complaining, or arguing. Got it?” (The children nodded in agreement.)
“If anyone starts to whine, complain, or argue, we’ll turn this car around and head straight back home. Understand?” (More nods.)
But barely had they left the city limits when one child began to whine, and another started to complain. Without a word, the car quietly turned around and headed back home.
The children, now in disbelief, protested loudly as their parents began to unpack the car.
Their parents calmly replied, “Enough. No more complaining, and maybe we’ll reschedule the trip for next weekend.”
In stunned silence, the children carried their bags back to their rooms.
The parents exchanged a knowing smile.
The truth was, the Disneyland reservations had always been set for the following weekend.
And when that weekend arrived, the family enjoyed a peaceful seven-hour drive, free of whining, complaining, or arguing.
Moral of the story:
True learning leaves a lasting impact. Once it happens, it’s never forgotten.
If life came with an instruction manual, most of us would lose it somewhere between…
When I grew up, gas was cheap enough that nobody treated a Sunday drive like…
There’s something about a move that makes you take stock of your life in a…
There’s a strange kind of fear that shows up right before you begin something new,…
There was a time when marriage wasn’t something you tried on like a seasonal jacket.…
At the beginning, it all feels like a highlight reel. Smiles come easy, laughter is…