The $1.73 Lesson
Monday, April 23, 2007 at 02:58PM I've been running the Honor Box for about five and a half years now. People still ask me, "How in the world can you run a business like that?"
It's hard sometimes.
Like the other day, last week, in the Box was a payment of $1.73 (A crumpled dollar bill wrapped around 2 quarters, 2 dimes and 3 pennies)
Now, when I get payments like this, I need to keep my emotions in check.
If I'm not careful, an anger will begin to brew inside stemming from the thought that someone is taking advantage of me. If I allow myself to imagine that patient paying me a fee less than a McDonald's Happy Meal-- while at the same time spending their money on Vegas junkets and a new SUV, my blood will boil.
So instead, when I find a small payment in the Box, I MUST give my patients the benefit of the doubt. Maybe whoever made that payment really doesn't have enough this month. Maybe they're truly struggling to put food on the table for their family. Maybe they are in danger of getting their power shut off by the electric company. Maybe they are at risk to actually getting kicked out of their home.
Maybe, the reality is that that $1.73 represents a huge sacrifice on their part.
Like Jesus taught in terms of recognizing the widow's mite as a great offering, I need to gratefully accept whatever gets deposited into the Honor Box. I need to accept all payments without judgement and without scorn.
Because, when it comes right down to it: it is NOT my patients in whom I place my faith that my business may succeed.
It is, in fact, my Heavenly Father who fills the Honor Box with the money I use to care for my family.
It is in Him whom I place my faith so that I may indeed "run a business like that."
Reader Comments (5)
Dude you rock.
Shayne.
I oftened wondered about those shots. I don't like to take anything that is perscribed by my doctor. But always in the back of my mind I think well maybe I should get the flu shot. The year that I did get the flu shot I got sick. The flu. I haven't gotten a flu shot ever since. I also haven't gotten the flu. The other thing that I wanted to mention is that I have good medical coverage. Which now I believe is a liability. My doctor is alway suggesting this and that... Once he gave me a perscription to quit smoking. Yeah, I know what your thinking. But when I looked up the drug, it way a psych drug. I once had pnemonia on a trip. So I went into emergency. The hospital told me they were going to admit me. I stay for 4 day. They gave me antibiotics through an IV. They didn't perscribe any other medication. I slept and rested for 4 days. My bill was 13,000.00. I could have taken the antibiotics in my hotel room and did the same and had better room service. My insurance paid for it all. But what a scam.
I just read on your website what exactly an Honor Box is. (http://honorboxchiropractic.com/services.html)
I only have 3 things to say to you: I love you. And you are exactly the kind of chiropractor I'll become in a year. Thank You.
I always wondered why Churches don't operate the same way...after all, if the LORD wants it to grow...it will grow!
Nothing is impossible for GOD...well almost, for GOD cannot learn anything...there's nothing he doesn't know!
I'm looking for somewhere to get my back inline with the rest of my body, and I'll be visiting Dr. Reed Shiraki soon...very soon!
Reading this brought tears to my eyes. Dr. Reed, you are an amazing spirit and a gift. I hope that everyone who uses your services understands your kind spirit and blesses you accordingly. I will continue to tell everyone about you and pray that you continue to prosper for many years to come.