I used to think of myself according to the above sentence. I felt like,” I’m doing the best I can; I’m just a man.”  If you think about it, it’s just a way to rationalize mediocrity. If I see myself as being just a man, I can fall back on the many fallacies of being “just” a man.

But, if those same words are arranged differently, there’s a new idea that emerges: integrity.

My Pop told me this example that was handed down to him from his father. He said,”Son, if a penny is left on the table, never take it. Even if the penny is left there for years and cobwebs begin to form around it: don’t touch. You didn’t put it there, and you can’t take it.”

I’ve also learned that character is who you are when no one is looking. That means if you throw something towards the trash and it misses, and hits the floor instead, will you pick it up or act as though it didn’t happen? If a cashier gives you too much change back, will you keep it or tell him/her about the error?

We all have opportunities to make better choices. Will you use your turn to press light and restore faith in humanity? Or will you squander your chance to “right” a “wrong.”

So: About those five words. Have you arranged them differently yet? I have and here’s mine:

I. Am. A. Just. Man.

Until next time,

Love & Peace.