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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Love Fulfills the Law (07/09/26)
Today is my first day alone at the window. During my training, I became well versed in bank policies, but I wasn’t ready for my first customer. I stood in silence as her eyes pleaded with me to help. She appeared to be about 10 years old. We counted the crumpled bills in her envelope for the third time. Unfortunately, each time the total came to $120. I had explained that this was the last day of the matching fundraising challenge. The bank would match up to $500 of raised funds, but the minimum was $150. She was $30 short. Bank policy was clear. There could be no exchange of funds from the tiller drawer and my purse, even if it was going from my purse to the customer. She did not have enough money, and I would not be allowed to make up the difference. Her eyes stared at me, but I was helpless. Rules were rules. I offered a silent prayer, hoping that God would provide an answer.

What could I say to make the teller believe me? Math is my favorite subject. I know how to count. There was $150 in the envelope last night. I’m sure of it. Now we will miss out on the matching money. If only Natalie would loan me $30, but she said no. I wish my mom had brought me here instead of sending me with my big sister. Mom would have figured out a way, but not Natalie. She didn’t’ care. I didn’t know what else to do, so I said a prayer. Finding no hope in the teller’s face, I looked at Natalie and asked her to pray.


My little sister is such a loser. She should have kept better track of that money. The sooner she learns about life, the better. When I was her age, I also believed that there was a God cared about us. I know better now- praying is a waste of time. Mom should have known better than to trust me to bring her down here to the bank. I mean really- my gas tank was on empty. I needed that $30 more than those kids and their pathetic fundraiser. Time to get my kid sister outta here. She's just gonna need to get over it. Worst of all, that old guy behind me keeps staring at me. What a creep!

Today seems to have brought quite a turn of events. I came here to close out my account time to leave this city behind me. After 20 years as lead pastor, the church voted last week to move on. I can't really blame them. Church membership has been steadily declining. Offerings are way down. Worst of all, I am not being replaced by another pastor. The church will go with online preaching and an on-line organization program to coordinate outreach. I seem to be out of touch and out of date- being replaced by an AI algorithm and a video preacher. Glad that my sister offered me a spare bedroom in her retirement community. 59 is early to retire, but I can swing it. I had prayed for direction, but God had been silent.

However, since I walked into the bank, I felt an uneasiness about the rash decision to leave the ministry. As I watched the situation unfold in front of me, I felt that I should do something. The poor little girl was distraught about the missing money. The teller looked sincerely moved but had no suggestions to resolve the situation. I've been around teenagers enough to know that the older sister was clearly lying. She avoided eye contact and changed the subject whenever the missing $30 was mentioned. I was quite certain that she knew what happened to the money. I couldn’t help but think that some robot would not figure this out.

My change of heart has led me to a change of plans. I would not be closing my account but would be making a withdrawal- $30 to be exact. The younger child was quite delighted to receive this unexpected gift. The teenager was taken aback when I told her the gift actually for her. I told her that getting a clear conscience for only $30 was a great deal. I will leave the church, but not the ministry. I will not be going into early retirement. God can still use me to touch others. My faith is not antiquated. If I listen, He will lead me.
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This article has been read 90 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Laurie Kiel 
07/19/26
Wow! I absolutely loved this story. This was so creative having all the various characters with their points of view. I loved it from the beginning to the end. It kept my attention to the end where I rejoice at the ending fantastic job. I hope it does well in the competition, it certainly should.
Jack Taylor 
07/23/26
Definitely a creative twist on the theme of love in action. Glad someone was listening to God.
Jack Taylor 
07/23/26
Definitely a creative twist on the theme of love in action. Glad someone was listening to God.
Jack Taylor 
07/23/26
Definitely a creative twist on the theme of love in action. Glad someone was listening to God.
Laurie Kiel 
07/23/26
Congratulations on a well-earned first place!