It’s the Little Things

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.