In a recent meeting I had with my good friend and Chick-fil-A founder, Truett Cathy, he shared with me a story about when a trio of young vandals trashed his Florida residence to the tune of $30,000 in damages. These misled youngsters got more than they bargained for – mercy.
Though the 87-year-old entrepreneur could have pursued charges for vandalism and burglary (a third degree felony), he instead opted for his own brand of justice – the kind that will produce not a criminal record for the 11- and 12-year-old girls, but teach them the importance of good character.
Truett told me how he worked out a deal with the three girls and their parents. Instead of jail time, the young vandals agreed to abstain from watching television and playing video games for six months. In addition, the girls were required to read “a good book” for three hours a day, and submit a written book report to Cathy each week for 13 weeks. And, they had to write “I will not vandalize other people’s property” 1000 times.
Truett said he wanted to be lenient with the young girls, but he also wanted them to understand the consequences of their actions. He wanted to get their attention.
“I wanted to show them there was a better way than the way they were going,” he said.
To Truett Cathy I say, “Bravo!” It’s one thing to change a child’s behavior. It’s another thing to change their heart. Hopefully the young girls experienced that change of heart, and will pursue the “better way” that was made available to them through a wise and generous man.
Until next time,
Mark
