“The Optimistic Son”

• Read by Glen on “America’s Morning Show,” July 10, 2009

Two young boys were as different as could be when it came to their outlook on life. One little boy was always pessimistic, never thinking anything good was going to happen. His brother had the exact opposite view, always positive, always looking on the bright side.

One Christmas their father decided to put them to the test. The pessimistic son came into the family room on Christmas morning and found every possible gift he could have asked for. As he opened each one he would make remarks such as, “this is great, but it’ll probably just break.”

Where his brother’s pile of gifts should be there was only a pile of manure. Their father was mystified when the optimistic son saw the manure and a wide grin broke out on his face. Before he could ask why he was smiling, the boy started darting around the house. He flew outside, circling the house on the run.

When their father was finally able to catch the boy he stopped him and asked, “Why are you running around? What are you looking for?”

The boy explained, “With a pile of manure like that there’s bound to be a pony around here somewhere!”