Short Story with a Moral for the Shabbat Table: Am I Doing Okay?

A young man walks into a neighborhood store and asks the store owner if he can use the phone. The store owner nods in agreement, and he unavoidably overhears the young man's conversation.

The young man calls someone and asks if they need a gardener.

On the other end of the line, the answer is probably that they already have a gardener and do not need one at the moment.

The young man persists: "Is your gardener professional enough for your taste?"

It seems that he receives the response that they are satisfied with their gardener, as the store owner hears the young man continue to press them: "Would you consider replacing him in the future?"

Apparently, he received a negative response. He politely thanked them and ended the call.

Moved with compassion for the young man and his persistent but unsuccessful attempts, the store owner addressed him: "Look, young man, I couldn't help but listen to your conversation. I'm sorry about the negative response you got, but listen to the advice of someone older than you: You seem very determined and ambitious. Be assured that better days will come, and you will have plenty of work."

The young man looked at him and said with a smile: "Thank you for your concern, but I was actually very happy with the phone call. I am the gardener of the family I just spoke to. This is my way of making sure they are satisfied with me and that I am doing my job faithfully."

On a personal note,

Friends, in order to improve and create better relationships, it is worthwhile for all of us, from time to time, to ask those close to us – Am I doing okay? Am I treating you properly? But equally important is to express your appreciation directly to your loved ones, so they do not have to guess what you think and search for it through secondary sources...

Rabbi Yigal Cohen – How Do You Express Appreciation to Those You Love? Watch