It's Most Definitely the Best Policy

A quote in today's New York Times got me thinking a little bit about honesty and truth this morning. Yes, again. I know I've written about this before... well, maybe not in so many words. I think my previous post was more about things I can't say... like I'm sorry to Mrs. Carey for that blown call in the junior league game (and "I love you", but that's another post altogether). But, one of the underlying themes, in my mind at the time of writing it at least, was telling the truth in the face of adversity. Anyway, today, a court case reminds me that it's important for me, on a small level, to continue to strive for honesty in all things... so that if ever called upon in the bigger picture, the justice system won't collapse:

"The truth is what drives our judicial system. If people don’t come forward and tell the truth, we have no hope of making the judicial system work."
PATRICK J. FITZGERALD, the prosecutor in the Libby case.

A lot of things revolve around the whole truth, nothing but the truth so help you God, don't they? Court cases, punishments, friendships, self esteem... shoot, I'm sure you could make a case for just about anything needing truth as an underlying foundation.

I remember this one time when I was growing up, I had gotten into Mom's makeup. I didn't know much about makeup... still don't... but it was fun to play with. So, I had a little bit on my face. I think I was old enough to know better than to smear it all over; so I was careful to put the lipstick on my lips (as paper-thin as they may be), blush on my cheeks, and eye shadow on my eyelids. Who knows what you're supposed to do with mascara?! That stuff still has me bumfuzzled. Anyway, so Mom finds me there. Catches me red-handed, I believe the saying goes. At that point in my life, I hadn't figured out how to tell the truth in the face of adversity. She's looking at me (and my made up face), with my hand basically in her makeup case; and I am afraid. I simply cannot admit that I've been playing with her makeup. What is up with that!?!? Fear is an awesome motivator.

All my life, I've struggled with that type of situation. I knew that kid walked. Mrs. Carey knew that kid walked. My BFF and crush knew that kid walked. I had blown it. But when it was time to face the music and admit I was wrong, I made excuses. Shoot... I flat-out lied. I'm not proud of it. But I hope I'd never do it again. I have definitely seen the light. I'm a truth convert. Have been for a while now. Can't really put my finger on when... but sometime between that makeup incident, the junior league game, and now, I became a bigger person. Literally and figuratively.

It's still incredibly hard for me. I am still so tempted to make excuses when I make a mistake. But I'm trying. And if you ask me for the truth... by gosh, I will try my hardest to give it to you. If for no other reason than to do my part in upholding the fate of our justice system.

Anyway... the heart attack I spoke of last night was on a TV show. Sorry to scare everyone. And Mom, the point of that post was that it wasn't the best Tuesday ever. Believe me... my best Tuesday ever would definitely have y♥u in it. Sorry I didn't call you back tonight. Let's catch up tomorrow.