Found a crucifix and not sure I did right thing

[trobinson017]

Okay, I was at the fitness center last week working out. When I was done and cleaning up in the locker room I found a crucifix (necklace type) on the floor. I picked it up and was going to turn it into the main desk but then I thought:
“would they put it in lost&found or throw it away? Do they even have a lost&found??”
This thought happened because I left a combination padlock there once and the next day it hadn’t turned up. Can’t imagine someone would keep a padlock they didn’t have the combination to.

I was in a hurry and decided to keep it to ensure it was not thrown away. I brought it home and cleaned it up as it was kind of grimey. Then I started thinking:
“what if it meant a lot to the person who lost it?”
“it’s a pricey fitness club. they could buy another easily”.
“yeah, but what if it meant a lot to them??”

Well, now it’s a week later and I realize if the person who lost it went back and asked if it was in lost&found and it wasn’t there then they won’t ask again. I feel really, really bad that I didn’t turn in it right away. I didn’t do it for greed although the thought crossed my mind that maybe I was meant to find it as I was going through a spiritual crisis of sorts. Lame excuse, I know. But I didn’t keep it for want of having it, more to protect it.

So now I don’t know what to do to right this wrong, if it was indeed wrong. I guess it is. I’m afraid if I turn it into the L&F now that it will sit there until they throw it away since the person who lost it is unlikely to inquire again. They don’t have a notice board that I’ve seen to post the “FOUND: Crucifix” notice on. I’m just so torn about this. The crucifix is right here in front of me and I feel both joy and guilt. I was going to wear it but now I don’t think it’s right.

HELP! What should I do???

trob

 

[MarieVeronica]

I think I would just take the crucifix back to the gym. Ask them if they have a Lost and Found… and if anyone had shown up, asking about it. Or, leave your phone number with them, and tell them that you will hang onto it. And to call you, if anyone inquires about it? Just some ideas.

If all else fails, you could place an ad in your local newspaper “Lost and Found”. I would also place ads in any local Catholic Church parish bulletins. They may not even charge you, for a “Found” item ad. I worked for a newspaper in L.A., years ago… and they only charged for “Lost” ads.

I think the owner will be so glad to get it back, that’s all that will matter to them. God bless.

 

[IrishAm]

This is truly not that complicated. Take a picture of the crucifix. Tape it on a piece of paper with the note – “Is this yours? Call me at xxx-xxxx” Tape the paper and picture up in the locker room. See if anyone calls.

I suspect you are overthinking the situation because you worry if you coveted the crucifix after cleaning it up. Doesn’t matter if you did or didn’t – just see if you can find the owner now.

May it find its home – with its original owner OR with you.

 

[thomasf]

This is truly not that complicated. Take a picture of the crucifix. Tape it on a piece of paper with the note – “Is this yours? Call me at xxx-xxxx” Tape the paper and picture up in the locker room. See if anyone calls.

I suspect you are overthinking the situation because you worry if you coveted the crucifix after cleaning it up. Doesn’t matter if you did or didn’t – just see if you can find the owner now.

May it find its home – with its original owner OR with you.

You beat me to it, I was going to suggest this exactly!