Today was like any other day. I got up, went to school, went to work, etc....... The only real difference is that this day brought with it the relearning of a previous lesson, as if a prelude to future events. The lesson which again presented itself was one of especially important significance to me, for it has to do with a negative aspect of a positive goal. Stated quite simply, something bad that is the result of good intentions. The story is as follows:
As the lotto was estimated at $100 million, I told Nick I would make some signs to stimulate early lotto purchases, attempting to lesson the impact on Wednesday. This included a sign on the counter and two on the outside lotto sign by the road. I made and put them out on Sunday. When I came to work today, I read in the paper an article about the lotto. Wherein there were statements by Linda and Joe. The article also included a line stating that a hand made sign was taped over the state issued lotto sign. When I read this my heart sank. I fully realized then, the implications that that phrase could hold if a Southland representative were to view and pursue it. At the time of the signs conception I was only thinking of the good aspects. That of increased exposure of the jackpot, increased ticket sales and earlier ticket sales. I had not even considered that as a result of a newspaper article, the drive-by of a Southland inspector or such, Nick might have to deal with a 1 month loss of franchise funds due to improperly followed procedures, or a bad evaluation on an otherwise good record. No one should have to pay the consequences for another�s carelessness.
You might be thinking sure, big deal, but when I think of the possibilities in other situations, this seemingly small problem that worked out fine has a great deal of merit to observe. Imagine an unpremeditated decision in a hospital setting. It could, and has, been the difference between life and death. The best of intentions can sometimes backfire back at you and leave some serious repercussions. Even so simple a thing as a hand made sign. To coin a phrase from a fortune cookie I once read: �The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.� Think about it...
Fin.~ |
