Things can show up in a condition other than the one you expected.
Shiny.
Neat.
On point.
Able to perform as designed, or shall we say, intended.
That’s what you ordered.
Scuffed.
Bent.
Rattled.
Able to do a version of what’s possible. Sometimes, only in spirit, because the functionality has been handled right out. It left the factory mint. Something, or several somethings, occurred in transit.
This is what now lays on your door step. It looks up with those puppy dog eyes hoping you won’t turn it away.
There’s a term for this.
Damaged goods.
If you get enough deliveries this is bound to happen more than once. The simple response is to send it back. If you’re able to catch it on the spot, you can refuse it.
“You’ve got to be kidding me, right? I’m not accepting that.”
This is great for packages. Pretty shabby for people.
The funny thing about people is we’re not very good at inspecting them. We miss the stuff that’s there. We see things that aren’t. “Good” and “bad.” We take their story about themselves and toss it in the crucible with our own stories about anything. Then we act like we know everything.
New information and a new perspective can lead you to make new decisions. Sometimes these new decisions (and the outcomes that come with them) are so out of “character” they knock the wind out of you.
Sometimes you get more of what you expected. Sometimes because less is actually given. Sometimes because less is what you perceive.
Forrest Gump’s mamma was right about that box of chocolates. I think it helps though to go into it allowing the possibility for unforeseen possibilities.
Every one of us would merchandise well at a scratch and dent sale. That doesn’t mean we need to support someone who doesn’t want to deal with reality and their choices. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t support those who want our support.
Even if they can’t do a good job of asking for it.
Photo courtesy of Skeeze via Pixabay
