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Along Life’s Way
“Due” Unto
Others: A Fable
© 2018 Lois E. Wilson
It was the Small Claims Court. The Judge stated, “Since this is a
family matter, I am going to use your first names when I address you.
Frank, please state your case.”
Frank was seeking due process. “Judge, over two years ago I loaned my
brother-in-law, Bill, $2000 to cover rent and other expenses he
had at the time. He agreed that he would pay me back at the rate of
$100 a month. He has only made the first payment, so he still owes
$1900.”
The Judge asked the defendant, “Is that true, Bill?”
“Yes, Judge,” Bill answered. “He has been harassing me—calling me every
day asking for money. I tell him I’ll pay him in due time.”
Frank spoke up, “Your Honor, I have monthly mortgage payments, my wife
works, we have one son in college, and two children in grade school.
I’ve taken a second job to relieve some of the financial stress we are
experiencing. It is a strain on our family. He always says that he’ll
pay me in due time. Once he said he’d pay when he got his tax
refund—but he still doesn’t give me my due.”
The Judge observed, “Bill, this is not much ado about nothing. Your
brother-in-law has expenses too. He is not harassing you. He just wants
to be paid back his loan to you.”
“I’ll pay him in due time, Judge.”
The Judge looked at the defendant and asked, “Bill, you’re dressed
nicely; have you bought any clothes in the past two years?”
“Yes, Judge.”
“Have you gone to any movies, sports events, on vacation trips? Have
you bought any lottery tickets?”
“Yes, yes, yes, and yes, Judge, I have.” Bill answered.
“I see,” said the Judge. “That money should have gone to Frank. Bill,
you are not exhibiting due diligence in regard to Frank’s loan. You
broke your promise and kept saying you’d pay in due time. This is your
due time—your due date. It’s time; it’s due. I order you to pay Frank
$1900. This case is closed!”
Moral: Sometimes people have to pay their dues to get paid what they
are due.
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