“I don’t get it,” Joe said. “How does you lifting 1440 pounds solve my money problems?”
“Let’s try this another way. I have a simple proposition. I want you to meet me outside the house at 4am, since you’re up anyway, as I run out to the gym.”
“What for?”
“To get 1440.”
“I’ll need more than that!”
“You need more than 1440 each day?”
“You want me to meet you every day.”
“Yes.”
“Doesn’t make much sense,” Joe snickered. “Why not just ask me how much I need? Give me the full amount one time. Why drag it out?”
“Let me lay it out for you. Meet me every morning at 4am. You will get 1440, but with a couple of stipulations.”
“Which are?”
“You have to spend all of it each day. Nothing can be carried over.”
“How would you know?”
“Very simple, you will have to account for how all of it has been spent, before getting the next day’s allotment.”
Joe became animated. “I’m going to get 1440. I can spend it on whatever I want. I just have to make sure that I spend all of it that day. If I don’t, I lose the next day’s 1440.”
“Correct, you will get 1440. Do whatever you wish with it. Just remember that nothing can be carried over.”
“What’s in it for you?”
“I don’t understand.”
“You’re going to charge me some crazy interest? Why would you even help me?”
“There are those who have eyes, but still cannot see. While others have an abundance of wealth, but achieve no real purpose.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“The answer you seek requires quiet introspection.”
Joe gave me a perplexed look. I watched as he fidgeted on the hood of his car. He jumped off and starting pacing back and forth. I powered up the lawn mower.
“Wait,” he demanded. “Can’t we do this another way.”
“Those are my terms. You can take it or leave it.”
“I have to discuss it with my wife.”
“Do you really? Haven’t you always bragged that in your house, you make all the decisions.”
“I do, but this doesn’t make sense.”
“Which part?”
“All of it!”
“You do understand the terms?”
“Yes!”
“Then what is there to discuss with your wife?”
“I don’t know, but I still want to talk it over with her.”
“You claimed to have a money problem. I provided a solution.”
“No,” Joe said, vehemently. “I need to talk to my wife, before making a decision.”
B.M.Booth
Strength & Vigour 