But my thoughts returned to The Ancient Light Within. Isn't it strange,I asked myself,that an encyclopedia salesman would give me such a book? Somehow the thought of my old friend Gideon popped into my mind. I had the feeling that he was close and that I would see him soon. I remembered that distant day at the party where he and his friend Marla had waved good-bye to me as they said that they would always help and keep in touch.

The phone rang and broke my train of thought. Why would anyone call so early on a Saturday morning? The children were still in bed,and I was enjoying my coffee, my birds, my squirrels and my reflections. Reluctantly and with some annoyance,I picked up the receiver. It was the encyclopedia salesman.

"Hello,Mr. H. I trust it's not too early for you. Did you receive the gift I left for you?"

"Yes. Thanks, but couldn't you call later? It's so early. The children are still in bed," I said.

"Just wanted you to know that we have a special deal just for you," he answered as if it was a totally normal practice to call a stranger before 7:00 o'clock in the morning. "I really am sorry. But I feel that you are a very busy man,and I wanted to get in touch with you early. I have some exciting news for you."

"Please. I told you before that I'm not interested. You're wasting your time," I said, not wanting to be rude. In years past, I was involved in the sales field and had developed an empathy for sales people.I had cultivated a great appreciation for their courage and persistence as they went from rejection to rejection until they made a sale.

"This one time,sir," he answered. "Let me stop by and explain the terms and conditions for picking up the prize you've won."

"Prize? What prize?" I blurted out.

"Yes. You see, you were the thousandth person. I mean,you were the one thousandth name I picked to call. We have a company policy that gives a free set of encyclopedias to each salesperson's thousandth prospect.

To read the rest of the story visit http://www.spiritual-simplicity.com

About the Author

Lecturer, entrepreneur and MBA business consultant, John Harricharan is the author of the award-winning book, "When You Can Walk on Water, Take the Boat." Spiritual Simplicity The Real Secret