What is the most valuable gift you have to give to a loved one?
Is it an heirloom?
A favorite collection of …
Cars, pottery, paintings?
Real estate – owning a home?
What about an understanding of your values that you have lived by?
What if your values become something a loved one believes in, too?
The Story of The Ultimate Gift
That is the goal of Red Stevens, a billionaire who is a main character in the story/movie “The Ultimate Gift” by Jim Stovall. In his passing, Red’s attorney assembles his family, who are vultures waiting to see what they receive.
The last family member the attorney addresses is his grandson, Jason. He is cynical, entitled, and largely unlikeable. But Red has hopes he is redeemable. He has devised twelve assignments for Jason to complete with the help of Red’s posthumous instructions and a few guides.
Over the next year Jason’s attitude and behavior begin to shift. He begins to value hard work over shortcuts, real relationships over status, and contribution over consumption.
Six of the Twelve Lessons
The twelve assignments were designed for character development. Here are six of the lessons that Jason learned over the course of the year:
Work – Jason must do hard, humble labor to understand the dignity and reality of earning a living.
Money – He lives on a small budget to learn discipline and the difference between wants and needs.
Problems – He faces challenges that force him to develop resilience and problem-solving instead of blame.
Laughter – He discovers joy and the healing power of humor even in difficulty.
Giving – He practices generosity and sees how helping others transforms both giver and receiver.
Gratitude – He cultivates thankfulness for what he has rather than focusing on what he lacks.
By the end, Jason understands that the “ultimate gift” isn’t the money itself, but the character, wisdom, and purpose he has gained through the process.
Sharing Your Values with Your Family
This elaborate journey is not feasible for most benefactors. Yet sharing your values with loved ones is still a worthy objective. Spend time pondering what qualities you would like to share with your loved ones, adult children, spouses, partners, and grandchildren.
Be sure to sign up for our blogs. Thanksgiving will have ideas on creative ways to inspire character development and sharing values with loved ones.
Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only, and it is not to be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Please consult with your financial advisor prior to making any investment decisions.
Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Boise Retirement Coach and Cambridge are not affiliated.
