A Bigger Purpose

by Greg McClanahan

As customers come through the door of my dealership and I have the opportunity to spend time with them, I am always hopeful that I am giving them the best advice possible. Sometimes that means that I have to tell them that I am not their best solution.

Helping others is the right thing to do. I believe the following story helps demonstrate what I mean.

Red Marbles

I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes. I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily appraising a basket of freshly picked green peas.

I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.

Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me.

'Hello, Barry, how are you today?'

'H'lo , Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good.'

'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?'

'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.'

'Good. Anything I can help you with?'

'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.'

'Would you like to take some home?' asked Mr. Miller.

'No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.'

'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?'

'All I got's my prize marble here.'

'Is that right? Let me see it' said Miller.

'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.'

'I can see that. Hmmmmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner asked.

'Not zackley but almost…'

'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble,' Mr. Miller told the boy.

'Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.'

Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me. With a smile she said, 'There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever. When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store.'

I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado, but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles.

Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died.

They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we got in line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could.

Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts… all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket. Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her, and moved on to the casket.

Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one; each young man stopped and briefly placed his hand over her husband's. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.

Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket.

'Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about. They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size… they came to pay their debt.'

'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she confided, 'but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho.'

With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.

~ Unknown Author

Helping others with no expected return marks one of the highest levels of selfless service we can offer. Think of it – this defines each of us as we provide customers with an education about our homes and industry. They won't all purchase their next home from us, but each deserves our time and attention.

I believe the strength of character found in those of us who are providing excellent customer service runs much deeper than those found in most boardrooms. You're special because you readily offer a helping hand and you realize that your thank you's may not be spoken where you can even hear them.

Always remember; 'It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.'

NOTE: Mastery Link International is proud to have been approved as an affiliate partner of 'The Foundation for a Better Life.' We too strive to provide messages that encourage ways to enjoy a better life. With this approval, we are able to link you to content from their web-site. I encourage you to take one minute and click on the following link to see a short video from 'The Foundation for a Better Life.' This video further supports the idea of the value of "Helping Others."

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Greg McClanahan is the President and founder of Mastery Link International - home of the 'Around the Campfire' and 'Something to Think About' Programs. Mastery Link is driven to provide personal and organizational development programs that focus on mastering the character traits that lead to personal and professional excellence. Greg has worked in the factory-built housing industry for 17 years and currently owns Lifestyle Homes of the Southwest in Durango, CO. To engage your organization in an affordable, curriculum based, on-line development program, contact Greg at 180 Valle Escondido Drive Durango, CO 81303, (970) 759-1767, or via e-mail at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can also learn more by visiting www.masterylink.org.