Donut Dilemma

At 6:05am, it was quite evident that this Thursday, August, 11, 2016, was going to be both hot and humid. The weatherman’s prediction (that morning) as well as the steamed-up windows of the Tim Hortons my Thursday morning men’s group (see Masculinity at Its Best) met at was making my body aware once again of this oppressive temperature outlook.

The young male cashier (“Kyle”) that took my order was also a baker as was evident by his what I assumed was a dough-splattered work shirt. My breakfast sandwich combo was typical of what I order every Thursday. I always order a different sandwich, but stick with the same side and beverage.

This morning I ordered the delicious maple bacon sandwich that was advertised on the plastic marquee above the counter. I got diet Pepsi instead of my preferred beverage of iced tea because there were free refills on the diet beverage.

Instead of the hash brown side (which wasn’t something I needed as a diabetic), I get five Sour Cream Glazed Timbits (donut holes) in a bag to give my wife as a snack when I picked her up from her work at three later in the afternoon.

Bobbi has discovered several years out from bariatric surgery, that her stomach can reasonably handle that small amount of sugar as a weekly treat every Thursday.

As I sat with the five other guys at our regular table, I realized the Timbit’s bag looked larger than it normally did. Peaking into the bag, I discovered I’d been given five Sour Cream Glazed donuts by Kyle instead of my customary five Sour Cream Glazed Timbits (as I remember ordering).

One giant question ran through my head after I realized that I had not been charged inaccurately for the cashier’s error. Was I going to cheat a place that had been good to my group of guys, or pay Tim Hortons what was due them?

I couldn’t live with my conscience if I didn’t do the right thing. At the register, I explained the situation to the store manager, and assured her that I wanted to make things right. As I thought might happen, I was charged nothing and the situation was quickly rectified with the correct item.

I came home with more donuts than our family needed, but I knew I’d done the right thing before the Heavenly Father, myself, in front of my friends, and to the store manager at this café and bake shop.

I Timothy 1:19 (AMPC) provides this advice. “Holding fast to faith (^[a]that leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence) and having a good (clear) conscience. By rejecting and thrusting from them [their conscience], some individuals have made shipwreck of their faith.”

The next time you leave a store, and realize you got too much change back (or were accidentally not charged for an item) will you celebrate (with your good fortune), or will you do the honest thing (and seek to make compensation)? Be careful of your choice because it once again is another sign of your true character.

Footnote:

a.  1 Timothy 1:19 Alexander Souter, Pocket Lexicon.