Today, I called a colleague who was on his way to my side of town, and asked him to help me get some takeout. I wanted to try out a new restaurant, so I asked if he knew it. He immediately said, “Yes.” So I sent him the funds required.
Two hours later, he arrived at my doorstep with takeout from our usual eatery, not the one I mentioned. Immediately I mentioned the mix-up to him, he froze and apologised. He explained that he just went to our usual place, without thinking.
I thanked him, and happily started opening the meal. But he stopped me, saying he would rather have what he bought for his personal consumption, and go back to get what I earlier requested. I told him it was okay, and that I was just being adventurous with trying out a new restaurant. He did not back down.
He explained that he would not be able to find peace today, until he got it right.
He took back what he had gotten, and left, to get what I had earlier requested.
When he returned with my takeout, I thanked him agai, and asked him why he could not live with just letting me have what he had earlier gotten. He explained that his mistake fundamentally meant he was not listening, and what’s worse, he did not show enough care to my needs, after committing to help. “That is neither the man I am nor want to be.”
I am thankful for the people that go the extra mile, sometimes at great personal cost, to live true to their values.