“I’m indigent,” a client told me today. His ...

“I’m indigent,” a client told me today. His shirt was in tatters from excessive wear, and the aroma following him was far from floral, but my heart went out to him. He had nothing, but was trying to do his best.

“I can’t pay today,” he continued. "But I will come back." His eyes told me he was expecting me to say no.

“Let’s see what we can do,” I told him with a smile. His response made me wonder how long it had been since anyone had smiled at him.

A quick scan through his papers told me he was due a refund, and I thought to myself how I would not charge him as a kindness. It surprised me what he said next.

“I have to pay something,” he told me. “It wouldn’t be right otherwise.”

I’m not a rich man. In fact, in many states, I only make a pittance over minimum wage. It’s the price of living in a small town.

As poor as I think I am, it cut me deep inside to see my client’s annual wages at less than a quarter of mine.

“I couldn’t work,” he told me, thinking I needed an explanation, but I didn’t. It was unmistakable the difficulties he was facing.

When I finished printing his tax return, the subject turned back to my fee.

“I must pay something,” he repeated. “I can leave you something of value until I come back.”

I couldn’t take anything from him, and that involved not taking his pride. I asked him what he could afford, and we decided on a price. He promised to return.

It doesn’t matter if he comes back or not. (He did.) As I told him, “God will make sure I have food to eat whether you pay me or not.” But I imagine I will see him again, cash in his hand, pride intact.

If you have a chance to be kind today, take it. I may not have made my client’s day, but he made mine. He reminded me of how much I have, and that there’s always a way to help others.

Until next time, keep fighting.
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