Why do you do what you do?
Some do it because it’s good
Some do it because it feels great
Some do it because it’s taught
Some do it because it’s expected
Some do it to avoid shame
Some do it to be commended
Pause and ask yourself
“Why do I do this?”
The answer says a lot.

I observed that I’m the only one that obeys the stop sign by the office exit. It feels awkward standing alone, more so when you stand out. It’s not an issue when it’s just me driving out but when other cars are coming behind, it sticks out.

I don’t like sticking out but not only was I raised to do right even if it stood me out, I have taught myself down the years to do right even if everyone one else wouldn’t because you become used to what you practice and a wrong that may be acceptable in one place may turn out a big issue somewhere else. I schooled myself to get used to it and that helps when it seems like I stand out.

Despite the unease, I know signs are meant to be obeyed – they are there for a reason. Better to get used to it than start a habit that could turn costly. Thus, every day, I stopped as expected before driving out of the parking lot. Days back, an issue came up during a meeting and a question was asked, “Who observes the stop sign on the way out of the lot?” Nobody else but me raised my hand. That day, I left the meeting with an unforgettable lesson carved into my mind: it’s not okay because everybody does it.

We never know the day of reckoning which is coming for every one of us, for everything we engage in. When that day comes, and you are weighed, will you be found wanting – not standing for what is right because it wasn’t popular? Will you be caught, carried away by a multitude that may get away while you’re trapped? That simple question that resonated in front of an entire workforce where nobody could lie and get away with it taught me a lesson I will not be forgetting. Sometimes people miss it because they don’t know, sometimes because they don’t care, what is your own reason? It’s unsafe to toe a line because everyone else does or doesn’t: you need to know and understand, you need a sincere answer to your own why.

We live in times when the popular way is the most travelled be it right or wrong. There is a day of accounting and we never know when it will show up. When that day comes, will you be found doing right though you stick out like a sore finger or will you be carried away with the rest, doing something you shouldn’t because everyone else is involved? It may not feel good sticking out but if we must, for doing right, it is well worth it even if we get no commendation in return. Why? Because it’s just the right thing to do. And you don’t want to be found wanting when the day of reckoning turns up without notice. That day sure is coming and you never know….

Blessings
Glory!