We have all done things in our lives we would like to forget, wishing we hadn’t done or said this or that.
The excuse is, we are all human. We make mistakes, and we sometimes are caught in situations that cause us to act in ways that are not so nice.
It has become somewhat of a joke to say, “What happens in ______, stays in _______.” The blank can be filled in by the name of a place, such as Vegas, Mexico, or it could be a group of people in a club or other meeting of some kind.
I lived in Haiti, back in the 1970s. It was, and is currently the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. One of the key reasons for its economic status is its problem with overpopulation. There was an expression there that said, “Nothing happens in Haiti that a Haitian’s eyes don’t see.”
I found this expression to be true. There were Haitians everywhere, and they were quite aware at all times. It was entertainment for them to watch people, particularly non-Haitians, to see what they would do. While living there, I often had them laugh at me for one thing or another I did.
I remember one time I was riding a horse in the country with a friend, and as we were passing through a river, the cinch of the saddle broke. Both the saddle and I fell to the ground, right onto the river rock below. It hurt like the dickens, and I looked up to see several Haitians laughing like crazy at me. They appeared out of nowhere, and they surely did think it was funny.
Nothing happens in Haiti that a Haitian’s eyes don’t see.
We need to try to conduct our lives as if we know someone is watching what we do at all times. In fact, God knows everything about us and what we do. If you believe in God Almighty, you are aware that he is present everywhere we go, whatever we are doing.
We never know who may see or hear us when we do something that is unkind or unethical. Whether it is face to face, on the phone, in writing, on email, or on social media, someone will see or hear what you say.
I remember quite a number of times when someone said something to me in confidence. I honor that, unless it is something I need to report to another, which is rare. In that case, I will not promise secrecy.
But the stories told, or the ones heard stay in the minds of those who know the stories. The tale may be remembered for a very long time.
What is the statute of limitations for a secret? Can it be told many years later, maybe when the teller has died?
The answers will depend on the secret.
We know of something called conscience, which by definition is an inner sense or moral compass that helps us tell right from wrong and guides our behavior. It is moral awareness, the ability to recognize ethical principles. It is an internal push that encourages us to do the right thing.
Our conscience gives us that icky feeling when we do something or say something we know we shouldn’t have done.
Listen to that conscience. It will tell you what to do. I believe our conscience is something God has placed in our hearts. He is the one who gives us that moral compass.
Someone is always watching. Whatever you say, whatever you do, always be aware of that.
— Mi amor para todos,
Nancy
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“The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.”
— Proverbs 15:3