What are the qualities we need to instill in our children?

​A few days ago my household help pointed out that we had a lot of almond trees in our complex.

To say that I was surprised would be an understatement. I just didn't believe her.

So the next time we were walking downstairs together - she showed me the trees.

She then lamented that all the almonds were being eaten by boys who came to do odd jobs in the complex and not by the flat occupants themselves.

Here is what I had to say -

They have the knowledge - that they are standing next to an almond tree

They are alert enough to notice that the tree has fruits that are now ripe and ready to be plucked and eaten

They are hardworking enough to climb the tree and pluck the fruit

They are courageous enough to eat something that may or may not be an almond

And so they deserve the fruit.

The fruits of the world are all there for everyone to have.

But only the knowledgeable, the alert, the hardworking and the courageous will gain from them.

We must remember to instill these qualities in our children if we want to nurture winners.