The Litre of Milk

	John-john was a boy who did not have to worry about anything. He wanted to find everything ready when he got home. He never thought about where his food, clothes, shoes, school supplies, books and toys came from. So John-john thought he was entitled to everything because he never lacked anything. One day, however, John-john's father, Martin, got ill and
became bed bound, unable to go to work. As a result, his salary was reduced significantly, because he earned it by how much he produced.

Thus, the family's situation changed a lot and they started lacking even basic things.

John-john, who always had everything and never had to bother about anything, started to get annoyed when he would ask for something and his mother, sadly, would reply that they had none.

- There is no chocolate? Go buy some, mom! - he would say arrogantly.

- We have no money, dear. When your father goes back to work, I'll buy some.

- I want new clothes and new shoes! Ah! And today I also want to buy hot dogs and popcorn! - he demanded.

- John-john, I already told you that you will get everything you want when your father gets well.

- What the heck! Now I am denied everything I want!

The loving mother, full of compassion, said fondly:

- Son, everything we receive comes from the Divine Goodness. If God has sent us your father's illness, it is a sign that we must face this difficulty with courage and good spirits. There is a reason for everything, and the situation we face must be for our learning and spiritual growth.

- Come on! - exclaimed the un-comformed boy - You mean God doesn't want me to have what I want?

- Son, maybe our Heavenly Father wants to show you the need for change, to have discipline and humility, appreciating what you have.

John-john left angrily, slamming the door:

- Well, I do not accept it! Do not accept it! ...

The mother lowered her head sadly, because of the child's behaviour, which showed defiance towards life and, above all, God.
 

- I'm sad because my mother is ill and can't work. My little brother is hungry and I have no money to buy him anything. Not even the milk he needs.

- Ah! But surely your father is working, isn't he?

- My father died six months ago. Then we had to leave our home, for lack of money to pay the rent, as only my mother worked. Now we are living in a shack, that a person lent us as charity. To help, I run errands, sweep houses, clean backyards, babysit, and thus get a few coins to help buy a loaf of bread, a litre of milk or something we're in need.

Upon hearing the story of Dorothy, who was younger than him, John-john began to reflect on his own life and repented what he had said to his mother. He acknowledged that, indeed, he had everything he needed to live. All he demanded was superfluous. He lacked nothing.

And the girl concluded:

- However, I wish I could do more. My family is everything to me and I'm afraid of being alone.

Embarrassed, John-john invited Dorothy to come to his home. He introduced her to his mother and said:

- Mom! I apologize for everything I have said. I know we're in trouble, but would we have a litre of milk to give Dorothy? Do not worry about me. I can do without milk.

The mother was touched by the generous attitude of her child, now so different from when he left the house slamming the door.

After giving the milk to the girl, he wrote down her address and said goodbye, promising:

- Tomorrow I will go to your house. Do not worry, Dorothy. Everything will be all right. Trust in God! He knows what He does.
 

	When they were alone, John-john took his mother into the room where his father was lying. Seeing him, the father was surprised and delighted. Approaching the bed, the boy said: - Dad, I am sorry. You are sick and I have not helped at all. I have only complained and made
demands. Now, I will help you in any way possible and also my mother. You can count on me. We are a family and we must be united. After all, we do not know for how long we'll be together, right?

John-john and his father exchanged a moved hug, which was joined by his mother, pleased and thankful for that moment of blessings.

- Mom, you were right. Sometimes God allows us to go through difficult situations to open our eyes and make us learn to appreciate what we have, without demanding that which we do not need.

At that moment, the mother elevated her thoughts high thanking the Divine Help.

                                                                  MEIMEI


(Psychographed by Celia X. de Camargo, on 06.04.2012.)