I won't lie. I want a beer.

This sign brought such a smile to my face, I had to explain it to my daughter AND call my husband.  Of course, Karl laughed harder than me.

Honor Marie and I were returning from our Friday Pool Day.  I was at a popular intersection for beggars in KCMO/Liberty (152 and 35--you know exactly where this is if you live in our area).  A gentleman was there, holding this sign, walking car to car.  Unlike all of the other times, I did not give him money, precisely because he was going to buy a beer; but he was honest.  Over the last year, Karl has set an example in our house of giving to beggars/homeless.  It may be the last $5 in our car and what was going to get us gas to get home... but out of our life and as a blessing on another's is where it goes.  Karl states, "What he does with it is between him and God--I just know God wants us to give more."  I am crazy about this man!

Back to the gentleman--I loved his honesty.

Honesty has become a commodity of wheeling and dealing.  In a world riddled with lies, underhand conversations, blaming and things of self-interest, we've come to praise others for honesty and be so surprised when it happens.  Honesty was expected in the world in which I grew up, but apparently I had it all wrong--we should reward honesty rather than expect it (like good grades, hard work, commitment, honor and integrity).  We are the model for Honor Marie.  Too many of our public figures are not honest.  I ALWAYS point out the leaders who embrace honesty, and that stands for those with whom I disagree.

Last winter, another truck tried to pass Karl, illegally, on the right and broke our passenger mirror.  I was not concerned; I told Karl it was the other guy's fault and his insurance would pay for it.  Accidents happen!  Karl said, "No, I do not think he will be honest."  I never even questioned the situation!  Unfortunately, Karl was right.  The man lied, and we had to pay for the damages.

I have not always been honest.  Shamefully, I have told my share of lies, and God as my witness, I will struggle with honesty in the future.  Being honest is not always easy, but easy is not always honest.  I have zero control over another person's choice to be his best.  I have complete control over my decision to be my best.  In the word's of someone I admire, "It's simple.  It's not easy."

In our house, honesty is expected, not rewarded.

Be Uncommon,
PJK :)