The Value of Honesty: Returning Found Valuable Items
Have you ever found a valuable item but made no attempt to return it because you wanted to keep it? How much is your honesty worth? Do you want people to consider you as one worthy of trusting—someone who won't steal their stuff the moment their backs are turned? These questions should answer your query.
The Experience of Mary
The very idea of finding something valuable usually brings to mind the prospect of gaining a sudden financial windfall. But for me, such an experience has been rare. The last time I found something vaguely valuable was a 20 note, a sum of money that was found years ago. I nearly trod on it, and if not for an accidental glance, I would have lost it. That sum was a significant amount of money, especially considering the time and context of its discovery.
Another memorable experience occurred when, as a child, I was walking home from church one day. In my state of boredom, I veered off the path and found a ￡1 note in the gutter at the corner of the street. New Zealand didn’t switch to decimal currency until 10 July 1967, so a ￡1 note was a considerable sum in the fifties. I ran screaming to my mother, who was almost at the gate. It is likely that that ￡1 note was a god-send for my mother but she did give us all a bit of it.
A Tale of Heartbreak: Lost Ring and Frustration
No, I never kept a valuable item just because I wanted to. I have always been aware of the importance of upholding honesty. There are times when you find something valuable, but you can’t figure out who the original owner is. However, it doesn’t matter how badly I may have wanted something; it wasn't mine so I wasn’t going to keep it. It would make me feel guilty if I did.
Truly, I am glad that there are honest people who return valuable items after they toil to find the real owner. Such actions are commendable, and I admire the efforts of those taxi drivers and others who take the time and effort to return such items.
Yet, it isn't always easy to return found items. For example, many times, I have found valuable articles on a parking lot and presented them to the business office of the store. However, they would merely mock me, encouraging me to keep the item. This is quite heartbreaking, especially when it involves lost personal items such as a precious ring that was too big for my finger and I was wearing it.
I made a claim at the business office should it be found, but again, they just mocked me. This experience has shown me the complexity of trying to uphold honesty and integrity in a world where such actions are not always met with respect or understanding.
A Special Found Item: Late Dog Sylvia
The most valuable 'item' I found was my late dog, Sylvia. For two weeks, I took her to every veterinary clinic between where I found her, my house, and many more. I ran an ad in the daily local news, describing her as found, seeking her family. I believed that a good dog like Sylvia would have someone willing to find her. Sadly, no one did.
As it turned out, Sylvia was just 'G-d's gift to Susan Shaw,' which I remain grateful for, even though I never found her true owner.
Moral of the story: Honesty is indeed the best policy. It may seem easier to keep a found item, but it can lead to guilt and regret. While I wish I had been among those who have returned a valuable item to its rightful owner, I will continue to try to do what I know is right in the future. The effort to return lost items may sometimes go unrewarded, but the act itself is valiant and praiseworthy.