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Tuesday, April 12, 2011
The Great Equalizer, Deliverer of Justice and Balance
“Seems easier to push than to let go and trust.” (Indigo Girls, It’s Alright)
(names changed to protect the innocently guilty)
I am not always so good at trusting The Universe to be The Great Equalizer. I mean, who amongst us hasn’t been impatient or disappointed with the idea of not being able to see what goes around, finally come back around?
I’m a strong proponent of standing up for rights, and for fighting injustice and righting wrongs. So the fact that I let Plumber Joe over charge me, and Plumber Bill make a costly mistake that I had to pay for... was surprising to even me. And then to watch The Universe even things out without me lifting a finger... well, amazing.
Plumber Bill installed our new water softener/purifier (by Pelican, great carbon-based system, and we love it). The next day, we had almost NO hot water pressure but only in the master shower. Plumber Bill (recommended by Pelican) is too far from us to do the house-call, he says, but said it was probably just the carbon build-up from the new system (normal) that needed flushing --any plumber can do it. So I call local Plumber Joe, who comes out and charges me $170 to turn on a hot water valve in our (tankless) water heater that Plumber Bill left turned off when he installed the Softener/Purifer.
My normal reaction would be to call Plumber Bill, and make HIM pay Plumber Joe. But I had this very strong gut response that said NO, DON’T DO THAT SHEPHARD. I couldn't ignore it; I decided to go with my gut. Not only did I not try to get Plumber Bill to pay for it, I didn’t even tell them. I just let it go. Very out-of-character for me.
Two days later: our hot water pressure in the master shower decreased yet again. Wth?
I call Plumber Bill and told them. He thinks it might be the valve in the shower controls this time. He says he’ll come out (same day). He comes out… sure enough… carbon from the purifer/softener was clogging a tiny meshy ring inside the hot water cartridge. He cleaned it out. I saw it with my own eyes. And … he talks to the office (had to drive about 20 miles to us), and they decide NOT to charge me!
I knew it was The Great Equalizer, The Universe, evening things out in a way that was undeniably amazing to me.
Accomplished: problems solved, for about the right amount when tallied, without harsh words, hard feelings or any stress. And Plumber Bill also installed a faucet for me at no extra cost. Gained: a sense of renewed wonder and reassurance at the mechanics of the proverbial Universe. Avoided: the opposite of all of the above.
It makes me think twice.
I’ve always believed in picking your battles carefully, learning from watching others who make EACH event a battle (exhausting) that they have to instigate and see through to complete justice. But … the idea that I don’t have to be the deliverer ALL the time, or be the pusher and instigator and balancer ... is a lovely thought.
I will of course continue to stand up for what’s right, and speak up and look for opportunities. The point is, I didn't just launch into Victim-Crusader Mode automatically... I listened, I trusted. Maybe I’ll be just that much more likely next time... to weigh and trust and question ...and listen to my gut.
I will of course continue to stand up for what’s right, and speak up and look for opportunities. The point is, I didn't just launch into Victim-Crusader Mode automatically... I listened, I trusted. Maybe I’ll be just that much more likely next time... to weigh and trust and question ...and listen to my gut.
~Shephard :)
Labels: Of Mice and Mondays
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