When our younger son, Kenny, was about 4 years old, we made our usual Sunday stop at the country store on the way to church with our kids from the youth ranch.  The drive to church was an hour and the store at the halfway point was a good chance to stretch their legs, make a drink (and candy) purchase and gas the vehicle.  Kenny came back to the van with some gum I didn’t buy and neither did Bryan.  I took Kenny back into the store, explaining that you don’t just take it because it is there; at the store, you pay for what you take.  He had just started receiving a small allowance, so he had to consider whether to relinquish the coins or to have the gum; a tough choice for a 4 year old.  I almost waited to pay the store on our next stop, as this process would make us a few minutes late to church but decided to handle it with Kenny immediately and be tardy instead. 

 

A week later, we were discussing integrity with the teens over dinner.  When Bryan asked someone for an example, one of the girls immediately referred to that incident.  We didn’t realize the girls even noticed the event, and reflected how glad we were that we took the time to take the corrective steps immediately. What impact might it have had if I had waited to the next trip and the girls didn't know that?  Tardiness to church was a small price to pay to assure the girls (and Kenny) were taught honesty.  

 

“Actions speak louder than words” is an old saying but speaks volumes.  Each week we end our meetings with The Four Way Test as the measuring stick of our thoughts, words and deeds.  Does it apply when someone other than members are watching or only between ourselves?  Do we realize that it effects the attitude of outsiders towards Rotary if we fail to live up to those standards?  We never know who is observing; we should always fulfill the standards of the Four Way Test.