You've probably heard from your parents many times, my friend, that you need to prepare in advance. But only a few of us actually do it. And why do we even need to pack our backpack ahead of time anyway?
That's exactly what a boy named Peter thought. Almost every morning he and his dad would be late together—him to school and his dad to work.
It happened again this morning…
Dad, have you seen my backpack? And where's my school uniform?
Peter called out, running down the hallway.
Son, I'm running late for work. Come on, get ready quickly.
His father replied curtly.
Well, Dad, I'm running late for school too. And I've lost my backpack on top of it.
Ask your mum. I can't find my tie either.
Just then Mum came out into the hallway. She handed Peter his already-packed backpack and gave Dad his tie.
That's why I keep telling you both that you need to prepare your things and pack your backpack in advance.
Mum said firmly but calmly.
But neither of them was listening anymore. Peter and Dad were running very late. They quickly rushed down the stairs and jumped into the car.
We won't be late now.
Dad said with relief.
But when he pulled out onto the road, he saw a massive traffic jam. The thing was, winter had decided to arrive early this year. Snow had fallen overnight. And many drivers hadn't managed to prepare their vehicles for winter. Including Peter's dad.
He hadn't prepared for winter in advance either. And for good reason… Because it was precisely because of this that there were many accidents on the road that day.
Peter saw one car skid badly on a turn, and it nearly crashed into a pole.
Dad, how awful.
Peter cried out, pointing to the car that had ended up on the roadside.
Yes, son. You need to prepare your car for winter in advance. And you shouldn't make sharp turns in weather like this.
Peter's dad deeply regretted not preparing his own car for winter. Because driving that day was truly difficult.
Peter's dad was lost in thought, but his son interrupted his reflections.
You know, Dad. Mum wasn't wrong when she kept telling us that everything needs to be done in advance. If I'd packed my backpack last night, I wouldn't have spent so much time this morning looking for my school things, and we wouldn't have been late.
You're right, son. Everything needs to be done in advance.
His father replied, feeling even ashamed that he hadn't followed his wife's truly valuable advice.
