We live in a crazy world. I doubt there are many who would deny it.
Maybe we learn to ignore the madness , or pass it off as just the way things are. It can be overwhelming at times watching the news or reading the local paper.
But each one of us contributes to the whole. In thinking about this, I am convinced that we can make things just a bit better for our community, and for the good of our own soul: by living a life based on the simple value of integrity.
INTEGRITY* the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
No need to panic. It’s not that complicated. I considered carefully some of the things that build life that’s more strongly driven by virtue.
We learned them in Kindergarten and Sunday School. Be kind. Be patient. Share and put things away where you found them. Don’t take what isn’t yours. If you make a mess clean it up. Simple stuff really.
But somehow in the get more world, some of the simplest values become hazy and overlooked or worse, rationalized away. I believe the Bible says something like woe to the fellow who calls evil good.
We all seek greater peace and contentment. Peace of mind and peace in our families. This peace we seek filters out into the world and DOES make a difference. Living with integrity are the stones that help us build a strong moral compass and brings us that peace of mind. Of course things happen that can shake our peace at times, but the more solid our foundation of integrity and clarity of conscience, the more quickly we regain that sense of peace.
So I encourage you this next week. Try it yourself. Examine your life a little more closely. Where could you do a bit better?: Exhibit a little more integrity at work or at home?
Do I give my job 8 hours of solid work? Do I give them 7 and think I’m doing well? (After all they don’t really pay me enough for all I have to do anyway.)
If I get something in the mail that belongs to someone down the block, do I put it back in the mailbox for the mailman to pass it along, or better yet take it to my neighbor….or just throw it away.
Put the cart back in the grocery store parking lot or leave for the grocery store employee: be where I am supposed to be BEFORE I’m actually required to be there or barely make it on time or, oh well, I was only 5 minutes late.
Little things. Simple things. Putting our neighbors needs equal to our own.
What are one or two things that come to mind that you could do to live a life of greater integrity? I look forward to hearing your suggestions.
Please comment below and tell me what you have done in the past that helped you grow in integrity. (Believe me I’m always looking for ideas. )
Maybe this is something we each can ponder: to grow in virtue, feed our own soul and live in greater peace. And isn’t that what we all want in this life…..peace?
Until next time.
Debbie
Byrdology 
Good things to think on. We all need to be reminded. Too bad our youth aren’t being taught this very often.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for this post. I really appreciate the encouragement. I recently decided to make a more concentrated effort in my timeliness. Now I am arriving before appointments, calm cool and collected. What a difference! Not only in integrity, but in self esteem and respect for others, too!
Yes what an extra perk. Improved self esteem!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello, interesting article😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
You forgot Self discipline. You have to be the owner of what you do and have command over yourself. Make an appointment, be there early. Tell someone you’ll help and be there. Have an elderly neighbor, bring in or take out the trash for them. Treat others the way you want to be treated. I don’t want to bring politics into this but most of it is rhetoric and meaningless. It is the people who live in the community that make it what it is, so be the good neighbor you would like to have next door.
LikeLike
Thinking of how an action or nonaction will impact and ripple through my future and into eternity helps improve my integrity. I have a long journey ahead.
LikeLike