A few weeks ago, Kara Powell asked if I was interested in buying girl scout cookies. Her oldest daughter was in selling-season and somehow knew that a graduate student legally cannot refuse Thin-Mints. My answer (and order) came easily & immediately.

In the world of profit margins and revenue reports, it’s important to notice how Girl Scouts refuse to turn their cookie business into a real life game of Monopoly. Their refusal to sell online emphasizes experiences for their members. These interactions, as the article notes, helps the scouts “learn face-to-face business skills, from making the sale to coping with rejection.”

The focus of our actions needs to be continually recast. We’re forgetful and prideful. Our eyes (and hearts) tend to be attracted to the largest, easiest, and most selfish gain. This refusal to change values is what’s so powerful for the Girl Scouts. It’s not only tradition, but their main focus is on the person being grown.

One of the things I love about the office at FYI (besides the view of the mountains) is our decor. There isn’t much of a decorating budget but we have a lot of photographs hanging up. I have no clue who these people are, yet they are the ones we are working for. It’s a constant reminder of the ministers who we are ministering to.

The question -Who is this about?- is one we need to be able to answer easily & immediately.