There is no bargain known to man that would entice me to camp out overnight in a frigid store parking lot.
Or risk the only body I have in a stampede of wild-eyed bargain-hunters.
So the annual “running of the bulls” – otherwise known as Black Friday – will have to go on without me.
I’ve seen the madness on TV. It’s scary enough just watching it. The oblivious frenzy of Americans hurtling headlong toward an X-box or discount big screen TV. Every man for himself.
Hopefully, we’ll make it through this Black Friday without the casualties – or even fatalities – of some other post-Thanksgiving rushes.
But people sometimes running over people to get to their goal – sadly, that’s not just Black Friday.
I know. I’ve done it.
I’m a goal-oriented guy. And that’s a good thing. But attacking a goal can too often mean forgetting about people. Running too fast to hear the hurts and cries of people who need you. Especially the ones to whom you are irreplaceable. Your family.
I know from experience how the chase can mess up your people-ometer. How you can inadvertently trample people’s feelings. Make them feel used. Unheard. Unappreciated. Pushed aside.
So there you are, standing with your coveted prize in your hands. Alone. With a trail of wounded or neglected people around you. A high price to pay for winning the race.
Early in our marriage, my wife knew me well enough to give me some loving advice. Wisdom that has echoed in my mind many times since. She said, “Honey, be careful not to run over people on your way to your goals.” I need that tattooed in my soul.
There’s no goal more worth it than making people feel important. And valuable.
Running with them, not over them.
