In Celebration of Honesty

Last week a few shingles blew off our roof. Because our neighbors with homes the same age as ours reroofed their homes this year, I called a highly-recommended roofing contractor to get an estimate for a new roof. In a faltering economy—when it would have been so easy for the contractor to say that we needed a new roof—the man told me the truth. After inspecting the roof, he said our roof has five years of good use, and for twenty-five dollars, he replaced the shingles. He asked us to call him in a few years, and we will!

A few years ago an honest friend saved my sanity. I was over-extended until I was ready to collapse. I wasn’t sleeping well, was over-whelmed and under-nourished, and didn’t know what to do. My friend told me if I didn’t slow down, I would be in big trouble and then suggested exactly how I could simplify my life. I followed her suggestions and was soon feeling better.

Some of my dearest friends are young children and the elderly, and their honesty delights me. My older friends give me priceless advice. “Be sure to hug your children and grandchildren often,” they say. “Enjoy your youth,” (Oh, I love that one!) “Always know that we love you and that God loves you.”

Recently 7-year old Hailey said, “Grandma, you’re so much fun. I’ll have a lot of nice things at your funeral.” I don’t know if I look that old or if Hailey’s attended too many funerals lately, but her honesty delights me. You would think that God is sitting right in the room when she prays. She thanks God for her family with such sincerity that one would think she just moved here from a refugee camp. She praises God for simple things: robin’s nests, watermelon, butterflies, chocolate chip cookies, her dog, Teddy. The world is a better place because of this child.

There is so much dishonesty in the world. Popular politicians sometimes smear their opponents and are elected. Powerful executives who made immoral decisions have devastated millions—if not billions-- of people throughout the world.

So today I celebrate honest people everywhere: A roofing contractor who saved us thousands of dollars of needless expense. A friend who saved me from myself. Friends old and young who inspire me to live more authentically and joyfully. Thank you for making my life happier and better. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

© Carol Brown