Responsibility

I am a board member for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Lubbock http://www.cclubbock.org/.  We have purchased a property that we are renovating for a bigger Resale Center. The Resale Center is basically a thrift store that accepts donations from the public and is open to the public. The profits from the store go into the general revenues of the agency budget, which is very important to the agency.

It is more than that, though.  It is an opportunity for people to volunteer and help the agency. It is also a resource for the clients of the agency who have needs.  They can receive vouchers to shop at the store and buy much needed supplies. 

I was out and about tonight and by chance I drove by the new building.  It was early evening.  It was very windy.  As I drove by, I noticed an outside door swinging in the wind.  I could have ignored this, and if something bad had happened, I would not have had to own up to knowing this. But I would know. So, I called around until I could contact someone with the agency who could contact someone to go lock the door. 

I was told that it was probably okay, because even if the outside door was unlocked, if the inside door was locked, there was no problem.  I did not enter the building. I did not know if someone was in there or not. I think the worst in these situations. 

I was also concerned because the wind was so strong, the door was being blown open and banging up against the wall.  I was concerned a very strong wind gust might result in broken windows, as the door had two glass windows. 

I may read too many mystery novels, and I work in a prison, so I may be too cynical (but I hope I am not too cynical) but I also think an open, swinging door on a vacant building is an invitation to vandalism, even if it is only graffiti.

So, I did what I thought was the right thing:  I sought help.  I stayed until help came. And, I thanked the helper.