Guest guest Posted July 9, 1999 Report Share Posted July 9, 1999 A grocer came to the Master in great distress to say that across the way from his shop they had opened a large chain store that would drive him out of business. His family had owned his shop for a century -- and to lose it now would be his undoing, for there was nothing else he was skilled at. Said the Master, " If you fear the owner of the chain store, you will hate him. And hatred will be your undoing. " " What shall I do? " said the distraught grocer. " Each morning walk out of your shop onto the sidewalk and bless your shop, wishing it prosperity. Then turn to face the chain store and bless it too. " " What? Bless my competitor and destroyer? " " Any blessing you give him will rebound to your good. Any evil you wish him will destroy you. " After six months the grocer returned to report that he had had to close down his shop as he had feared, but he was now in charge of the chain store and his affairs were in better shape than ever before. Anthony de Mello, S.J. MORSEL: A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love. --Basil (329-379 A.D.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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