-LONG DISTANCE CALL PLEASE-

Operator, would you be so kind as to insist on the long distance call I am trying to make?
-Sir, we have tried several times and there is absolutely no answer. Do you wish you try yet once again?
-Yes please, it is a very important call.-
The telephone rings, and rigns, no answer.
-Operator, I think that I'll try again tomorrow. Thank you for your kindness. Have a nice day.-

I pace myself and wonder if I have the number right. And I read it outloud, and yes, it is the right number! I guess I'll try again tomorrow. I have spent over two hours trying to get through and it is clear that no one will pick up the phone, and it is way past midnight. I wake up early the next day and decide to dial once again.

-Operator, may I help you?-
-Yes, please I would like to make a ling dist...
-Are you the same gentleman who tried calling the same number last night for over two hours?-
-Y......yes, yes I am....and I would like to try once more please.-
-Just a minute sir....this call must be very important- she adds.
-Oh, you cannot imagine how important it is madam. I have a serious complaint and I must get through!-

And the phone begins to ring.....beeeep.....beeep......beeeep......beeeep......no answer. At this point I begin to get mad and frustrated and start to yell in the middle of my empty apartment with the telephone im my hand.

-Why won't he take my calls!! Why?? Too busy for me??!! Yes, everyone seems to be too busy for me lately!!!! I want to get trhough!!!!!-

Suddenly, and as I am about to hang up, a deep voice on the other side of the line says:
-Hello?
-Finally! This is Claudio!!! Why haven't you answered my calls? Is it something personal?? Why are you doing this to me, that is all I want to know. Just tell me that and I will not bother you again.-
-Claudio? Claudio who?? - This irritated me even more.
-Claudio Aliaga!!! You don't even remember me!
-Claudio? My son Claudio? I thought you had completely forgotten about me. It's been so long that I did not recognise your voice, or the number. How are you, son? I see you are in the middle of muddy waters lately, but you haven't asked me for help so I should assume you can handle it.
-Haven't asked for help? What do you mean?? I get myself into trouble and all you seem to be doing is adding more problems to my already hectic and restless life. I thought you would be there to lend a hand! If you see someone drowning, do you actually let them drown if they don't formally ask for help??-

-You see son, -He adds- that's the problem with all of My children. They all come seeking help when the going gets tough. But not many of you take a moment to thank Me for what you already have. I don't hear from you often, Claudio, unless it is a complaint, or to ask Me to change something you have done wrong without previously consulting Me, or consulting your heart. It would not kill you to say a little prayer to Me every now and then, asking me to bless others, not just yourself. All of your brothers have needs, Claudio. And some of them, as troubled as they may be, pray to Me thanking the many blessings they have in their lives. Why can't you?-
At this point I am beggining to understand many things. I guess that I have not been much of a son. I should have spent more time thanking instead of thinking, doing instead of wishing. Acting instead of criticising.
-Does that mean you won't help me any more Father? -
-Not at all son, all I ask is that you become a better man. Look around more often and you shall see that there are many that are not half as fortunate as you, and yet live their lives happily, joyfully.-
Then it hits me. Of course, how can I get help when I don't ask for it?! How can I live my life concerned about my own problems, and nothing but my very own problems, never taking the time to actually see just how fortunate I am indeed.
So I hang up the phone, I thank the holy Father for his time....and pray to Him that the telephone bill will not be too big.
-CA