3% Mark Up

Many of life’s important lessons can best be told through a short story.

A long, long time ago. . . There were two very different young men who became best friends during their freshman year in high school. One had everything going for him and was ultimately voted “Mr. most likely to succeed”. The other one seemed ordinary in every way and he was ultimately voted “Mr. Most Average”. Mr. Success went on to graduate from college and eventually became a branch manager at one of the better known local banks in town, a very stable respectable position. Mr. Average dropped out of college after the first semester and also seemed to drop out of sight. They quickly lost touch with each other for many years.

10 years later there was a chance meeting between the two one–time best friends. Much to the astonishment of Mr. Success, Mr. Average had obviously accumulated great wealth judging by his expensive suit, gold and diamond jewelry, authentic Rolex watch and the fact that he arrived in a chauffeur driven Rolls–Royce.

When asked how he did it, Mr. Average responded “I am not really sure. I buy these gadgets for $2 and sell them for $5. It is amazing how much money you can make with only a 3% markup!”

Much of what I have been able to accomplish in my life occurred because of one simple trait, “tenacity coupled with action”. I did not know that that the experts said something could not be done a certain way, so I did it. Or, I did not understand in the beginning how difficult my task was actually going to be before it was all over so I just got started doing it. Or, I just simply did not know any better so I succeeded in spite of myself. I have heard people say on numerous occasions “I can do that. He is not that good.” The difference is that one person is actually doing it while the other person is simply talking about doing it. I know there are better writers among my readers, but I’m the one with the newsletter. It is really up to you, isn’t it?

Here is my inspiration for today’s message:

New International Version Bible –– James 2:20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?