Matters of Property

"Income tax returns are the most imaginative fiction being written today." Herman Wouk

Once we've covered all the financial areas where amends are called for, we need to see where matters of property have been affected. These can include places of employment, business and social activities, as well as the manner in which we treat both public and private facilities.

Have our actions caused damage or property loss to others when we have carelessly (or sometimes willfully) defaced or vandalized public buildings or real estate belonging to private parties?

Have we been responsible for automobile or recreational vehicle accidents in which others have been injured?

Whether we owned our home of rented from others, have we allowed the place where we live to have become so unkempt or seedy that it reduced property values or became a health hazard to others?

Have we been careless with cigarettes and burned holes in furnishings or clothes? Have we failed to do an honest day's work, or have we collected sick-time pay when we were simply goofing off? Have we failed to follow through on a committment that caused our company and/or others to suffer financial losses? Have we made promises to help or support a cause and then failed to fulfull our obligation to do so?

As we search our conscience, we will certainly find many more instances where we need to set the situation right: where we must do whatever is possible to make restitution.

Today's Step: I honestly examine the ways I have caused material loss and/or harm to others.