I opened the door to find a smiling, bright young man who introduced himself as Nate. I am ashamed to say that I cringed. I do admire these young people, putting themselves out there, selling door-to-door in jaded, cynical, fearful Los Angeles. It must be so scary! I barely made it around to the neighbors I knew well when I was selling Girl Scout cookies, Watkins vanilla, and some kind of greeting cards. Truth is, I cringe because I don't want any newspapers or magazines or candy ~ and I am a softie that hates to say no.
Nate was as personable and charming as any of them. I liked him instantly. He made a good pitch for the magazines. "You can even donate a subscription to your favorite charity," he explained. Quickly, before I caved, I explained about how I buy all the magazines I want from the kids' school fundraiser and about how I love trees, and how it pains me that so few mags are printed on recycled paper, and I don't want any more trees killed for glossy, slick pages....I literally saw Nate deflate as I spoke. His chest caved in and the corners of his eyes turned down.
I felt horrible. I am committed to the upliftment and empowerment of human consciousness, after all, and here I dashed the dreams of this beautiful young spirit. Then again, I am also committed to respectful and sustainable use of Earth's resources. How can I honor both?
As soon as I closed the door, and Nate walked out of sight, I asked myself, "why didn't I talk to Nate about joining me in one of my business ventures, one that honors the Earth, empowers people, and engages the Spirit?" I considered chasing him down the street. Instead, I prayed for another chance with Nate, if it was in our best interest.
And that's when I realized the Truth: Nate doesn't need me to save him, nor will he perish if I don't chase him down. Nate is on his journey, and I am on mine. Our paths crossed for a moment, and I learned something. I'm grateful to Nate for this. I hope he's grateful, in some small way, that he met me.
Nate was as personable and charming as any of them. I liked him instantly. He made a good pitch for the magazines. "You can even donate a subscription to your favorite charity," he explained. Quickly, before I caved, I explained about how I buy all the magazines I want from the kids' school fundraiser and about how I love trees, and how it pains me that so few mags are printed on recycled paper, and I don't want any more trees killed for glossy, slick pages....I literally saw Nate deflate as I spoke. His chest caved in and the corners of his eyes turned down.
I felt horrible. I am committed to the upliftment and empowerment of human consciousness, after all, and here I dashed the dreams of this beautiful young spirit. Then again, I am also committed to respectful and sustainable use of Earth's resources. How can I honor both?
As soon as I closed the door, and Nate walked out of sight, I asked myself, "why didn't I talk to Nate about joining me in one of my business ventures, one that honors the Earth, empowers people, and engages the Spirit?" I considered chasing him down the street. Instead, I prayed for another chance with Nate, if it was in our best interest.
And that's when I realized the Truth: Nate doesn't need me to save him, nor will he perish if I don't chase him down. Nate is on his journey, and I am on mine. Our paths crossed for a moment, and I learned something. I'm grateful to Nate for this. I hope he's grateful, in some small way, that he met me.
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