Thoughts and Creative Nuggets by Art Fettig that Change People’s Lives
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The old Sears Roebuck Catalog used in so many outhouses in the 1930’s often had three different models of products listed in price as Good, Better and Best. When I have offered help or maybe a drink of pop to teens and older men they often respond “I’m good.” That seems to have irritated me somehow because I woke up early on January 8th, 2018 with this poem already formed in my mind, rushed to my computer and captured it. I told my mind that I would write a poem a week in 2018 and my mind has been blank until this. I woke up a few hours earlier than this and recited a few poems in my mind and then went back to sleep. Then around 5 am I got up for a bit and captured this poem.
The Passing Stranger
Art Fettig
“ … can I help you?” I heard that stranger say, that wondrous day as he passed my way.
“No, I’m good.” I replied instinctively.
He shook his head, “No, you didn’t hear me I said, ‘How can I help you.’ You’re good, but you were born to be better and maybe even great.”
And he repeated what I hadn’t heard that first time,
“How can I help you?” And this time I heard him, loud and clear.
“How?” I replied. “Supposing you tell me how?” And I listened.
“If you are willing to listen, really listen, then you’ve already come a long, long way.” He smiled.
And then I looked at him. Yes, I really looked, and his smile was contagious and friendly.
I couldn’t even remember the last time I’d smiled.
It might have been at the same time I started that senseless habit
Of telling folks, “I’m good.”
And then he asked again, “How can I help you?”
And then I smiled once more and I looked him in the eye as I replied, “I’m great!”
The stranger smiled back and went on his merry way.
And since that day I have strived to discover that greatness that is in me
And in you
How can I help you?
Recommended Reading
The Platinum Rule by Art Fettig
The Age Old Secret to Happiness and Prosperity. If you believe in the Golden Rule then, just maybe, you are one of those fortunate few who are ready to take a giant step forwaqrd in your lives to fame, fortune and a great new plateau of personal satisfaction.
Art Fettig has identified a little known key to wealth and happiness in his book The Platinum rule. I hope that millions of people discover this little book and apply this giving formula. Trul their lives will be enriched and certainly this will be a better world.” – The Wickman Formula, Executive Press 1991
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