Pay It Forward

I was standing in a line at the Wilk trying to buy a donut before rushing off to my next class. Earlier in the day, I'd discovered that I'd left my wallet at home, so I met up with Brock and borrowed his.

I handed the cashier a credit card to pay for my wares.

"Can I see some ID?" she asked.

"Huh?"

"I need to see some ID."

"Oh, I don't have any on me. I left my wallet at home, and borrowed my husband's credit card today."

"Ummm....okay....well, I can't process this transaction without seeing some ID."

Seriously? Can't you just take my word for it? I understand that you're trying to prevent identity fraud, but c'mon. We're all Mormon here--this is the university where people will turn your laptop into the Lost and Found if you lose it. Plus, it's a freaking 75-cent glazed donut. Not a bottle of gin. Is ID really necessary?

I stared down at the donut, which I'd already taken a couple of bites out of while waiting in line. I couldn't believe this girl being such a stickler. "Well, what do you want me to do? I've already taken a bite out of this . . . "

The cashier looked at me blankly. It was a classic BYU-employee-runs-into-a-problem-with-a-simple-solution-but-can't-force-themselves-to-break-beyond-the-red-tape moment.

"Here," said a voice from behind me. "I got it. Add it to my tab."

I looked behind me to see a smiling girl with gentle eyes. She set her own food on the counter next to my donut and offered the cashier her credit card.

"Are you serious?" I said. "Thank you so much! That's so kind of you."

"Hey, no worries. It's no biggie."

But it was to me.

***

Amazing how the simplest things can make a person's day. I think that's really important to remember. Being Christ-like doesn't necessarily mean going out of your way to care for the sick and afflicted, donating your time to worthwhile causes, not judging others, etc.

More than anything, it's about keeping your eyes open for those small moments that make a big difference.