Avoid Blind Spots 

It is likely not surprising to learn that high-school students have blind spots. I’ve worked with many students over the years who were so convinced of the virtue of their actions it was difficult for them to see how these actions might be perceived by others. Like the time a young man, named Drake, stole 40 pounds of beef from Taco Bell. Yes, you read that correctly.

Ask someone you trust to look in the mirror with you.

Noble Motivation

Drake’s motivation for the theft was noble enough. He was a member of a student organization, which was hosting fundraiser for a worthy charity. With the goal of raising the most money in mind, Drake’s team decided that making and selling tacos to other fellow students would raise a lot of money. Even better, they decided to solicit donations allowing the team to maximize profits. The students brainstormed how to get donations and of course Drake offered that he worked at a nearby Taco Bell. Of course, his team members were now excited and suggested that he ask his manager for donations. 

According to Drake, his manager said she would donate beef for the fundraiser, but she would not have extra until the next shipment came in, which would be too late. Undeterred, Drake drove to the next Taco Bell and told the manager that he works at a Taco Bell which would like to borrow a case of ground beef. The manager at this store, Bonnie, agreed to loan Drake’s store a case of ground beef and gave it to him. In Drake’s mind, the problem is solved. He arrived at school with a case of ground beef. His team uses it to prepare tacos and earned a lot of money. However, the next day, Bonnie called the manager at the store at which Drake was employed. The manager said that he had not authorized Drake to borrow a case of ground beef. This was a big problem. 

Take a Second Look

Bonnie called my school and asked for me, but I was at a doctor’s appointment. So, she decided to call the sheriff’s department. Our school has a police liaison had my cell phone number. Luckily, before this got too consequential, he called me to describe the situation. I asked him to give me a little time to get to the bottom of this odd story. When I arrived at school, I spoke with Drake. He told me his version of the story, but maintained that he was only borrowing the beef, until the second store received a new shipment. I spoke with Drake’s father, who agreed to pay restitution, so Drake avoided any criminal consequences. 

When making decisions, it is important to avoid blind spots. Sometimes that means taking a second look and trying to see a situation from another’s perspective. It is often helpful to ask someone you trust to look in the mirror with you. Learn a lesson from Drake and take that second look in the mirror.

“But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”

James 1:25

Copyright © 2023 Chuck Locklear

Also, see Brain Development.