The only way to truly secure the future

"Real generosity toward the future consists in giving all to what is present." -- Albert Camus

We need not stress or worry our way to a secure future.  It is not the answer.  The only thing we're actually doing when we worry is training ourselves how to worry as a habit.  And in the process we're robbing ourselves of the only training that can secure our future (if there is such a thing), and that's learning to be fully present in each given moment.  A dear friend of mine once gave me a gift of the greatest little book, The Precious Present, by Spencer Johnson, and in it was this wonderful reminder of what is so true:

"It is wise for me to think about the past, and to learn from my past, but it is not wise for me to be in the past - for that is how I lose my self. It is also wise to think about the future, and to prepare for my future, but it is not wise to be in the future - for that, too, is how I lose my self. And when I lose my self, I lose what is most precious to me." 

Paradoxically, it is through this full appreciation of self in "the precious present" that we become most capable of hearing God and surrendering our selves to appreciation of what is and fulfillment in the selfless service of others.  After all, we cannot surrender that which we do not know, respect, and value, just as we need not secure through our own efforts that which has already been given to us, which brings me back to that great little story ...

An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked.  Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna.  The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

The Mexican replied, "only a little while."

The American then asked why didn't he stay out longer and catch more fish?

The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs.

The American then asked, "but what do you do with the rest of your time?"

The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siestas with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine, and play guitar with my amigos.  I have a full and busy life."

The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you.  You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat.  With the proceeds from the bigger boat, you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats.  Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery.  You would control the product, processing, and distribution.  You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually New York City, where you will run your expanding enterprise."

The Mexican fisherman asked, "But, how long will this all take?"

To which the American replied, "15 - 20 years."

"But what then?" Asked the Mexican.

The American laughed and said, "That's the best part.  When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions!"

"Millions - then what?"

The American said, "Then you would retire.  Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siestas with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."