Taking and Giving

Fourteen-year-old Connor Halsa from Minnesota caught more than fish on his summer vacation last year. He and his family were enjoying a sunny day on the lake when he reeled in a wallet that contained $2,000 in cash. And yet, even as Connor spread out the money on a rock to dry, not once did visions of a new bike or gaming system dance through his mind. That wallet belonged to someone, and Connor intended to find out who and return it to him.

Fortunately, Connor found a business card inside the wallet. When his parents called the number, they reached Jim Denney, an Iowa farmer. It turns out that he’d been fishing on the same lake the summer before and lost his wallet when he leaned over the edge of his boat to net a fish. He was certain he’d never see his money again. Then one day, Connor’s family called him out of the blue and shared the unlikeliest fish story he’d ever heard.

When a reporter asked Connor why he didn’t keep the money, he answered, “I didn’t work hard for it. Mr. Denney did.”

I love hearing stories about young people like Connor who have the maturity to see beyond themselves, to recognize that something more valuable than money and things is at stake. Like character and a sense of right and wrong. Even at the age of 14, Connor has the wisdom to recognize that selfishness may get us more stuff, but it leaves us empty. Taking from others never enriches our lives as deeply as giving to others.