We were shopping for a bridal shower gift for our newest daughter in law to be. After finding everything that we needed and checking out we headed to the van. As we were loading our bags we found one small item…a stainless steel toothbrush holder. It had slipped underneath David's hoodie which he had taken off and put in the cart sometime during our shopping experience. We hadn't moved the hoodie at the checkout and had therefore not noticed the small item.
Of course, I immediately realized that I would have to unload the children and head back into the store to pay for it. I found myself excited at this small real life chance to teach my children about honesty and integrity. I began to explain to them what had happened and asked them questions about what we should do. They knew exactly what we should do. I unbuckled them and we headed back into the store to pay for the toothbrush holder.
I love it when life happens and gives me chances to teach my children. They learn so much from seeing their parents do the right thing and it is that much better when they get a chance to be part of it themselves. It was a small thing, not very expensive, but the value of taking the time to do the right thing was a priceless lesson in the lives of my children, and a blessing in my life as well.
In the April 1990 General Conference, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said:
"Let us strive for personal, practical integrity in every endeavor, regardless of how mundane or inconsequential it may seem. The small matters accumulate to shape the direction of our lives."
