Time Spent Together
In 12th grade I was the best student in my class and the valedictorian. I was very proud of myself. I was dedicated only to my studies. My plan was to get the best grades, so in the future I could get scholarships and travel to new places.
I didn't like to waste time with activities that weren’t related to school. For example, I didn’t spend time playing sports or talking with friends. My high school was a boarding school. And even though the school was only a 30-minute walk from my house, I didn't see my family often. I had a very busy schedule.
One day, I was walking through town, and I saw a big storm coming. I decided to wait it out under a shop awning.
I had been there about 5 minutes when I saw a bunch of kids walking toward the football field and laughing. My little brother was with them. He had a ball, but it was made of coconut, and was covered with some pieces of an old t-shirt to make it soft. When I realized that, I laughed. But they didn’t seem to mind the makeshift ball. Soon they were playing and enjoying themselves in the rain and mud.
The rain got harder. My brother came up to me and invited me to play. At first I said no, because I had homework to do and I didn't wanted to be dirty and wet.
Then my brother looked at me, and said something very interesting, “ Don't be a boring man, you have to enjoy this time because there are no more days like this one. Just come play, spend time with my friends, and enjoy this beautiful rain.” His words changed my mind. I decided to play.
The players were covered with mud like little pigs. It looked more like a mud war, than a football game. But everyone was having a great time.
Then, I tried to kick the ball into the goal and I missed and fell into a mud puddle. I was covered in the stinky mud, especially on my face. All the kids were laughing at me. I was angry and embarrassed. But after a moment I thought, “why do I have to be angry if this is just mud? If I go to the river it will wash away.” So I started to laugh too. It was the best day I ever had.
When we finally finished our famous football game, everyone was going to the river. I made my brother stay for a moment and I told him, “I appreciate you for giving me this time and making me realize there’s more to life than just school.”
Since that football game, I started to have a different view about the best way to live my life. I believe that spending time with family, friends, and neighbors makes my life more important. Now I’m the one who organizes the football game in my community.
I believe time spent together…is time well spent.
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