Spencer Johnson, M.D.	The Present / 13
ONCE there was a boy, who listened to a wise old man, and thus began to learn about The Present.
The old man and the boy had known each other for more than a year, and enjoyed talking together.
One day the old man said, "It is called simply `The Present' because, of all the gifts you might receive, you will find this present is the most valuable one of all."
"Why is it so valuable?" the boy asked.
The old man explained. "Because when you receive this gift, you enjoy things more, and you are able to do whatever you do better each day."
"Wow!" the little boy exclaimed, although not fully understanding. "I hope someone gives me The Present someday. Maybe I'll get it for my birthday."
Then the boy ran off to play.
The old man smiled.
He wondered how many birthdays would pass before the boy would realize the value of The Present.

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The old man enjoyed watching the boy play in the neighborhood.
He often saw a smile on the youngster's face and heard him laughing as he swung from a nearby tree.
The boy was happy and completely engaged in whatever he was doing. He was a joy to behold.
As the boy grew older, the old man couldn't help but notice the way the boy worked.
On Saturday mornings, he would occasionally observe his young friend mowing the lawn across the street.
The boy actually whistled while he worked. He seemed to be happy no matter what he was doing.
One morning the boy saw the old man, and remembered what the old man had told him about The Present.