Last year there was a story circulating in the local news media about a young man who came upon a bulging wallet while walking to the Metro and his daily journey to his work. Cautiously he opened the wallet to discover a sizable amount of money. With the discovered treasure in his pocket, he continued on. All day he would pat his trouser pocket to assure himself he had not lost his find. Throughout the day he imagined how much easier his life could be if he kept the money.
Later that same evening, as he began his journey home, he began to think about the wallet's owner. He found himself wondering what would happen in that person's life after losing the wallet. Continuing on he passed the Metro station entrance, heading to the address that was on the driver's license also in the wallet. Imagine the emotions as he spoke to the owner saying, "I found your wallet this morning. You'll find nothing missing from it."
Who was the man who found the treasure? That really does not matter. Rather what were the principles that motivated him to return his discovery? What were the moral and ethical principles that he had established in his conscience? Surely self-interest was put aside so that he could return what he had found to its owner.
And what would you have done? Is your foot on the right path? Walk in the shoes of the young man as he eventually returned to his home. Imagine his thoughts: I could have paid a number of our bills! What a vacation we could have had! Or, as he put his head upon his pillow that evening, he must have given thanks to his God for the grace and strength to do what was just.
It is never easy to take a first step in the best direction. Yet the rewards are remarkable. The cynic, the self-centered person would judge the young man a stupid or crazy. The young man, however, went top sleep knowing he was a better person for his decision.
What are the principles that guide your life?
