Mary’s
Minute
“Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.”
~ C. S.
Lewis
In today’s world of social media, it is fairly easy to do good things for an audience, but true integrity comes from doing something good when no one is watching. Sometimes letting others know that we understand what is right and just is an important powerful message to share, but when we can do the right thing when no one is looking, our intent can never be questioned. Showing others that we are caring people is a way to set a positive example and spread positivity, but I am most humbled by those who do acts of kindness that may never be recognized.
Almost twenty-five years ago, my mother siblings, mother and I sat around my mom’s kitchen table recapping one of the most moving days of our lives: my dad’s funeral. We all had noticed a person sitting in the back pew of church and were asking if anyone knew who he was. He was a young man, who was nicely dressed, but had that look that made you know that dressing up was not in his comfort zone.
We all knew that my dad frequently helped those less fortunate. He was an elementary principal when I was
young, and I remember him bringing children home to stay with us – yes, I know these
were different times. He helped people
in non-traditional ways, seeing the best in those who were struggling.
None of us knew the young man, sitting in the back row at my
dad’s funeral, but we concluded it was someone who was touched by my dad’s
kindness enough that he left his comfort zone by sitting through a Catholic
funeral to say his good byes. It is an image I like to recall as a reminder to do the right thing even if it may never be recognized.
Have
a great week!
Mary
A very telling idea, Mary, thought provoking, and a touching picture. Thanks for sharing, and for making me think ...
ReplyDeleteI remember a time when my father found out that worked with him that wore shoes with holes in them. My father found out what size shoes he wore and bought him a pair. He knew that the man was too prideful and would not except them. My father went to work with them on and kept telling the guy that the shoes hurt his feet and they were too small. He asked the man to trade shoes with him because he couldn’t make his shift. When my father died, the man came to his funeral and told us his story. It sound like our fathers were a lot alike.
ReplyDeleteKim, I am sorry that I am just seeing this comment from months ago. What a beautiful story and tribute to your father. His beautiful sprit lives on in you! Thanks for your comment!
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