Pay It Forward…Lessons from our Kids

As we rushed out of the house, headed to a surprise party, Matt asked “Can we stop at the store and drop of the recyclables”? Looking at the time, I agreed and off we went.

When we got to the store, Matt jumped out and headed to the back of the car. I hit the button to proactively open the door for him and in true dad fashion felt compelled to state the obvious.

“Matt, make sure you scan the bag before putting it into the bin.” I stated.

“OK.” Matt replied.

As he pulled the bag out of the trunk, several bottles fell onto the ground.

Again, in true Dad fashion…

“Matt, make sure you tie the bag tight before you put it in the bin.” I yelled. No reply as the door slowly closed. Did he hear me? Well, I better call him because God forbid 15 cents worth of bottles fall out. LOL

“Hello.” Matt answers.

“Make sure you tie the bag tight.” I repeated.

“Yeah Dad.” I heard you Matt replied.

“Great. Thanks Matt.” I hung up, satisfied that he had been trained on properly on the “how” of returning recyclables to the store. LOL

As I sat and waited, my impatience grew. The recycle bin is literally 20 steps into the store. What is taking so long? I guess I better text him.

“Matt, what’s up?” I texted. No reply. As I typed the next text, suddenly out he comes.

Now before we go any further, it must be stated. Matt is 15 and has done this alone many times. My “perceived guidance” on the “how” of this process is clearly overkill and if I’m honest, completely unnecessary.

As he gets in the car, again, I cannot help myself.

“What took so long?” I asked.

“Well, I wanted to check and see how much money was on the account. Since there was only $8 and change, I decided to just get $5 to leave some for next time. When I went to counter for the money, there was line of people. A little old lady noticed all I needed was to turn in my receipt and she let me cut the line. As she let me go ahead. I thanked her and she said “of course, I would hope someone would do the same for me someday.” As I turned in my receipt for the $5, I thought why not give her the $5 for letting me ahead of her. So I did.” Matt said nonchalantly.

(Insert jaw drop)

As I set there worrying about the “how” of returning $5 worth of bottles, had I missed the bigger picture? Had Matt in fact just taught me something even more important? The importance of being kind, helping others and paying your blessings forward.
Next time I’ll worry less about “how” he returns the bottles and more about the “man he becomes” as a result of returning the bottles.

Be kind.
Help one another.
Pay it forward.