I don’t work for a
grocery store; I work for the grocery
store. In case you live under a rock (or
in another country), Trader Joe's is like Disneyland for the “foodie.” It’s
famous for unique, high quality products, at a great value. We have the coolest employees anywhere and we
want to be a bright spot in your day.
Now the bad news, we currently have an extremely popular product that is
in short supply. This situation has
given me a good hard look at the difference between wanting and coveting.
Thou shalt not covet.
Unlike the other commandments, this one doesn't speak about physical
behavior. It’s about what’s in your heart.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines covet as feeling a “blameworthy
desire (for that which is another’s).” This is
different than to want. I want a lot of
things, but that want does not affect me or those around me in a negative
way. And should it cross that line, it’s
time to check my thoughts and put things in perspective.
The customers that covet the product are obsessed with other
jars, the ones that are beyond the quantity they are allowed to buy. They count the jars in other customer’s
carts. They “sneak” back in to the store
to buy more, and they lie. They even
involve their children. They cry and/or
yell over this sugary condiment.
At first my co-workers and I found this behavior amusing, but the weight
of the negativity has crept in and become a presence in our work environment.
And then there are customers that want the product. They
line up outside the store at 6:30 am with their Starbucks, and make new friends
with the other customers that are waiting to buy the same product. They make pleasant
banter with the employees as they arrive.
The limited supply becomes a game or a goal to be attained, and they are
ready to put in the work.
When “wanting” crosses the line to “coveting” there is a
change in your energy and the energy of those with whom you interact. Our thoughts are very powerful, and when we
find something we want passionately, we need to be aware of some things: Am I looking at my objective or am I looking
at someone who has already attained it?
Do I look at their story with
resentment or for guidance? Most importantly, how does thinking about my
objective make me feel?
To desire is to be alive. When we can harness our desires, they will drive us to a better place. Enjoy the ride.
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