Recently I spent several hours online trying to pay property taxes a week before the deadline. The County Treasurer’s website acted erratically and refusing to recognize me by account number, address, or name. Finally, after probably twenty attempts I connected, paid by electric funds transfer, and received confirmation.

A few days later, I received an email informing me that my payment had failed and accessing a $35 fine. Already incensed by their erratic website, I strongly suspected the error wasn’t my fault. But I went to the Treasurers office and paid by paper check, including the fine. Over the following few days, I could not shake feelings of aggrievement. I alternated between imagining myself stating my case in court and telling myself, “$35 isn’t worth all that trouble.”

Where do you draw the line at being gipped? Of course the amount matters. But being cheated on even small amounts can rankle nearly anyone. In this case, I remembered Jesus’ admonitions to “go another mile” and “turn the other cheek.” That helped . . . some. I decided that the line is where others might be victimized.

I wrote to the Treasurer reporting that their website might be imperfect. At Kit’s suggestion, I politely asked that my fine be waived. I did my duty and, thanks to Kit, got a refund of my fine.  I’m still not certain where the line to take action is. But I know that the wrong thing for me personally is to allow a grievance to spoil my days.

Drew