Little Things Still Mean A Lot

Recently, I experienced a wonderful lesson in how little things still mean a lot. It has always been tempting for one to believe "My life makes no difference" or "What impact do I have on the world? I'm just one person. No one notices me." This past spring I got a head's up, which reminded me of why Sunday School lessons, for example the Parable of the Good Samaritan, remain relevant and timeless.

My brother, mother and I live in a very rural district on the Big Island of Hawaii. Our farm is at least a dozen miles from the most basic of services. Consequently, we take weekly trips to COSTCO to procure fuel and supplies. About a month ago, we'd finished loading up the SUV and prepared to leave. As I settled into my seat, I glanced down at the curb, when a scrap of paper caught my eye. I retrieved it and read it carefully. Instantly, I was grateful I did.

The form turned out to be a receipt from the State Motor Vehicle Division, documenting the bearers' payment of their Vehicle's Registration fees. Quickly, I put myself in their shoes and figured: no one would toss this out, especially if it was current. I also looked over the form for contact or any personal data, perhaps a license tag or telephone number. But that seemed impractical. Although the form had been borne on the wind, where in the busy, crowded parking lot would I find the owners? Had it been lying there for a few minutes or a week? So I checked the date, the fees paid, noted the names of the Owners and pocketed the slip. Recalling the parable of the Good Samaritan, I concluded that the best and easiest step to take was to put the form in an envelope addressed to the couple and send it to them snail mail first thing the next morning. Further, I imagined how frantic I'd be had I misplaced my receipt. Much easier to attempt returning it than to leave them angry, upset, etc. over the loss. I've waited in DMV lines enough times to appreciate anyone's pain.

My hunch was right. By the end of the week, I received a beautiful thank you letter from a very grateful and happy couple containing a hand written message and a gift card to use at any Starbuck's. In her note, the wife explained how a gust of wind snatched their receipt from a pocket in her car's passenger door. They had panicked and searched frantically for quite some time before giving up. It felt great to know I'd helped someone avoid a major hassle by doing something which at first glance seemed minor or even trivial.

Submitted by Anonymous

Right Choices