Story: The urgent and the important


A man got lost in the desert. After a few days and about to die of thirst, he saw a caravan approaching. As he could, he caught the attention of the travelers, who hurriedly headed towards the needy. This one, with a small voice, could barely say:

– Aaaguaa.

- Poor man, it seems that he wants water, quickly, bring a skin - demanded one who seemed to be the boss.

- Not a skin, for God's sake -interpelled another-, you don't have the strength to drink in a skin, don't you realize? Let's bring a bottle and a glass so you can do it comfortably.

– A crystal glass? Are you crazy or what's wrong with you? protested another of those present – Can't you see that he will take it so eagerly that he can break it and damage himself? Let's get a wooden bowl!

– Aaaguaa… the dying man whispered.

“I think you guys have gone crazy,” added a fourth man. Is it that they do not remember that we have an excellent wine? A good glass of wine will always revive you more than water. Let's bring the wine!

“Beebeeer,” the thirsty man implored with the last of his strength.

– Surely the desert has made them lose their minds. How are we going to give him wine without knowing if this man is Muslim? We would be forcing him to commit a great sin! Let's ask him first if he is religious - requested another kind-looking man.

– But are they really thinking of giving him a duty here in full sun? First we have to put it in the shade; I have some knowledge of medicine and I tell you that this man is burning with fever and exhausted. Let's take him to the caravan and put him in a bed - another of those present intervened.

The merchants did not have time to argue further, that man had just died in their arms.

How many times have you been attending to the urgent and forget what is important?


How many times have you missed opportunities by putting your attention on what is urgent and not on what is important?