My younger sister once told me a story about a certain mad man who approached her one day in the market and asked her to lend him the sum of Two Hundred Naira. This mad man used to carry loads for people in that particular market, so he was known by most of the traders. At the time Two Hundred Naira can purchase something reasonable.
My sister gave him the money free and went on with her business.
About two weeks, this mad man met my sister, greeted and handed her the money back. She refused to collect it back from him. 'I gave it to you free'. Said my sister.
'No'. Protested the mad man. 'I borrowed it, so take it back'.
She said all efforts she made to let him go with the money were all in vain as he insisted on paying the money back.
When she demanded from him why he insist on repaying the money, the man gave an answer that is touching.
'So that you can lend to me again if I ask for it'. Said the man.
I was amazed and touched by the man's determination to pay back what he borrowed. This is not fiction. It happened here in Aba and I personally know the man. Here is a mentally ill man showing willingness to live up to his word and understanding that one good turn they say deserves another.
What a fine lesson in Faithfulness ,Integrity, and Honesty the mad man set for all those who are sound and healthy and who borrow and find it difficult to pay back. So, if I make promise(s) or enter into agreement with anyone, I must endeavor to live up to my words. If I have appointment with anybody, I must keep it and on time. A Good Name is better than riches.
What do you learn?