Sometimes, a little thing can make a big difference.
A little while ago, I was having a crappy week. The car was acting up and I was fighting off some bug that made me feel tired, cranky and achy.
The bright side was that I was that I could finally make the last payment on my student loan. I called the bank’s office in the morning to make sure I had the right amount, then after lunch, I stopped by a local branch.
When it was my turn, I went to the desk and said with a smile, “Hi, I’m here to pay off my student loan.”
“Ok,” the teller replied. Because I wasn’t a client at that bank, there was the usual rigamarole to find out how to make the payment and how much was left owing.
“This is a good day,” he quipped.
“Yeah, the sun is shining, its lovely.” I said with my usual obtuseness.
“Sure, but I meant you’re paying off your loan,” he clarified, “That’s a good day!”
“It certainly is!” I replied and we chatted about how much he was looking forward to paying off his own loans.
Since my wife and I took the Financial Peace course by Dave Ramsay, we’ve gotten into the habit of paying for things in cash. So I had the exact change with me. But when he took a look at the amount owing, I was short $0.77!
“But I called the office,” I explained, “They told me it was this amount.” My voice sounded more sharp than I intended. I had a suspicion that was confirmed when he said, “They’ve probably charged the interest for today since you called.”
My head was buzzing: what should I do? As an admitted introvert, I don’t roll with the punches all that easily. I checked the car for change. Nothing. I asked my wife if she had change. Nothing.
Isn’t that just like a big bank? I grumbled to myself.
“OK, can I make this payment now, and then bring back the $0.77 later today?” It sounded so silly. It was only $0.77, but its what stood between me and paying off my student loan.
“You know what,” the teller said, “I think I have an idea.” He excused himself for a minute, then brought back a dollar. His own dollar.
“I can’t take your money,” I said, but he insisted.
“Its good Karma,” he replied, “I’ll help you and one day I’ll need help.
Hopefully someone will do the same for me.”
I was humbled. How often had I clung to my pennies, and here was a complete stranger helping me pay off my debt. It was only $0.77 but he could have easily told me to come back. Instead, I wonder if he imagined the joy I must be feeling to pay off the loan, and didn’t want only $0.77 to stand in the way.
I thanked him and walked out feeling lighter. Not only that I’d paid off the loan, but that a complete stranger had helped me.
A good friend once said. “Sometimes, the littlest thing can make a big difference.” She’s in the habit of sending cards to people as they come to mind. It’s just a little thing, but it made all the difference for her husband when he was in a dark season. Now she’s passing it on. I wonder how many people have smiled, whispering “thanks” to God for her.
I whispered a “thanks” to God for that teller. He showed me a little kindness. It cost him a dollar, but it meant the world to me. It brightened my week, and strengthened my faith that each of us can make a big difference, even with just the little things.
Thanks Colin! A letter to your bank has already been sent.
