Live life with integrity, doing what is right even when no one is looking.

Coach Bear Bryant once said that “It don’t cost nothin’ to be nice!” and that is probably true. But to truly live with integrity can cost you a lot. To have integrity, true moral fortitude, can cost you money. It can cost your friends. It will surly cost you opportunity. The universe will tempt you time and again with chances to make the wrong decision, and it’s all up to you how to react. Will you do the right thing and show integrity? Or will you falter and give in? The easiest way to live with integrity is to surround yourself with men and women who are already doing it. It’s hard to walk a dark path when all your friends are carrying lanterns. And, if these friends are true, they will grab you if you take a step or two in the wrong direction. Just as you would for them. Living with integrity is not easy. I once found a wallet in a parking lot with $300 cash inside. This was before the internet is as prevalent as today, so tracking folks down wasn’t as easy. But, I found him and returned his wallet. As a thank you, he gave me $100 for my trouble and wouldn’t take no for an answer. But we don’t do the right things in life in the hope of a reward. We do them because they are the right thing to do. Don’t forget that.