As a lender, I have had the opportunity to meet some amazing people - both clients and colleages. I have found that I am driven by creating the relationship...not the pay check. Many of my clients are now friends and many friends are now clients. Several years ago, as I got to know a sweet couple purchasing their first home, I learned that the husband, "Daniel" , was a math tutor. With a child who struggled in math and my realization that my attempts to help with his homework were becoming futile, I enlisted Daniel's help when he offered. As I went to pay him after his first session with my son, he quickly explained that he couldn't accept payment and just asked that I return the favor and "pay it forward" when the opportunity presented itself.
As I got to know Daniel and his family more, I found out that though he has a full time job, he also was an ordained minister who preached every other Sunday wherever he could find the space. His new home which I had financed, soon became his sanctuary and he turned his patio into an enclosed space, complete with chairs and a pulpit. For two years he continued to tutor my son and refused to accept any payment. My son's math grade soared.
Last Christmas I asked Daniel if he had any church members who needed help with their Christmas wish list. He emailed a list of needs to me and my adopted family became a reality. Little did I know it wouldn't be the only Christmas I would spend with them. Just two days ago, I received an email from the mother of my adopted family. She had been going through a divorce when I met her last year and now that her divorce was final, she was living in an apartment with little more than a bed for her and her daughter and the kitchen basics. But she had joy in her heart and was proud of her "own place". "Pay it forward," Daniel told me.
I quickly put the word out on Facebook that I was looking for a couch. Through the amazing world of social media, a couch in excellent condition, two end tables, a coffee table and some lamps were delivered to her doorstep in less than 48 hours. Her family room, once littered with toys and a homemade banner made from lined paper that spelled CHRISTMAS was now complete. As I watched the tears spill down her face, I knew why Joseph wouldn't accept payment. Doing for others is what it is all about.
I write this not to pat myself on the back. I simply put a request out there and it was answered. I write this to encourage all of you to pay it forward. The reward beats any gift you will ever unwrap.
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