The Devil's Yard Sale

I read this story by Don Mondell recently in a newsletter. It's worth repeating and sending to your loved ones:

One day, the Devil laid out his gleaming, razor-edged tools upon a worn and ancient wooden table. He announced a "fire" sale and carefully marked the price upon each tool:

ANGER: $100, RESENTMENT: $400, HATRED: $600, etc.

Each tool sold almost as quickly as it was placed upon the table. Toward the end of the day, a crooked old man in tattered rags approached. The man eyed the tools that remained, but was taken by a certain tool at the end of the table. The tool resembled the two long and bowed fangs of a viper. Its chrome-like pointy tusks caught the sun and sent flashes of blinding light everywhere. With one hand, the old man blocked his eyes from the glare and with the other, he reached for the tool. As he grabbed hold, the tool's steely, needle tips nearly pierced his hand. This seemed to please the old man. He snatched up the tool and held it to his chest. With a glint in his eye, the man asked the Devil, “How much for this one?” “I’m sorry, that tool isn’t for sale,” the Devil replied. Without hesitation, the man said, “But I’ll pay double. I know how valuable it is.”

The Devil narrowed his eyes and hissed, “Sir, I’ve told you, that tool is not for sale, nor will I ever sell it. It is the most useful tool I own and without it, I wouldn't be half as effective in my work. With that tool alone, I can accomplish my every task. Now good day, sir.” Dejected, the man looked once more at the shiny tool, then slowly placed it on the table. With almost a whisper, he said to the Devil, "If I can't buy it, would you, at least tell me its name?" A slow and wicked grin grew across the Devil's face. "Of course, old man, its name is... Discouragement."

Robert South said, “Defeat should never be a source of discouragement but rather a fresh stimulus”. Discouragement is not the absence of adequacy, but rather the absence of courage. Hence “disCOURAGEment”. Don’t quit. You can do it. It’s always darkest just before the dawn, you know. Hang tough. Discipline yourself to keep your eyes on your goal and know this: The difference between dismal failure and magnificent success is the ability to keep on and not become discouraged.