The contrast in conversations, input, and outcome could not have been more consistent.
A salesman who loves his job, the equipment he sells, and the people that are looking for help. As I commented on a satisfied future customer, leaving with solid recommendations, the response convinced me that this was a person I wanted to do business with. The conversation essentially went like this.
“I am looking for a solution for a particular type of problem.”
“There are many several options. I recommend that you look at these alternatives because the key aspect they share in common is essential to your satisfaction.”
As the client left, I asked the obvious. “Why didn’t you suggest the cheap solution?”
“I could and he probably would have purchased the unit today. He would also be back in a few weeks dissatisfied because the key features would not be there.”
Honest questions, honest answers.
We exited the plane with specific instructions to have our passports ready for inspection. The New York customs officer stood at the ready, merely wanting to catch a glance.
Most ahead of me were prepared. There were two exceptions. Initially I thought they had to be Americans battered by too much stress and not enough sleep. First, they tried to walk by without showing their passports. Second, when the officer became distracted they again tried to move on. Third, when asked to stop and show their passports, the verbal jousting began in earnest. Even though I was not involved, the tension that followed caused my hair to stand on end.
“A mean person gets paid back in meanness, a gracious person in grace.” (Proverbs 14.14)
Today you and I have the chance to make a difference in the lives around us. Our input can and will shape the course of events in the world we live in. Trying to do it on our own will not work; the junk of yesterday is a burden that will continue to shape today. We need help and the answer is here; God. Open your door, he is already working.
