A strange thing happened today. On the way to work, I was checking my voice mail and got a message telling me to pick up some coffee and creamer for the office. I decided to stop at a Jewel supermarket. There are two stores near my route into work, and both are about the same distance out of the way. I was considering which to stop at when I came to a turn and found a detour sign, directing my travel towards the Jewel on Main and Roosevelt in Lombard.

With the decision made for me I drove to the shopping center. On the way into the store from the parking lot I made eye contact with a hispanic donation collector standing near the entrance. I had seen him twice earlier that week at different times of the day and we shared "hello"'s as we did again. Noting the remote probability of this circumstance, I told myself that I'd have to give a donation.

After navigating my way through the store I purchased the coffee, creamer and sugar for $8.08. Like always, I used the self check-out and noticed $5 in the change dispenser. I debated telling the supervising check-out clerk, but decided against it. The money was obviously someone's change and such an insignificant amount that wouldn't be noticed. Jewel would only stand to profit since the customer would likely not travel back to the store to reclaim the forgotten bill. So I took the money.

I was wondering what kind of chi the decision I just made would bring as I picked up my bag and left the store. On the way outside I took my wallet from my back pocket and unconsciously pulled out the $5 bill. I went through the automatic doors and immediately heard the bell being rung by the donation collector. It all became perfectly clear. I folded the bill and stuffed it into the red plastic cauldren next to the man. he smiled and nodded and I reciprocated.

I did my part and a perfect balance was attained.