When I started practicing law in 1995, I worked a case with one of the law partners, Frank. The opposing counsel made an error and missed a deadline. When I discovered the attorney’s error I told Frank, who called the attorney. The attorney asked Frank to consent to an extension to which Frank agreed. When I asked Frank why he did that he said, “Oh, but for the grace of God go I.” What Frank said that day has stuck with me during my 20-plus year career.
Over the past few months I have been teaching the MCE Core Class-Professional Expectations & Obligations. One of the goals of the class is to raise the level of professionalism of real estate agents. While teaching the class I have come to realize that one of the many ways we all could raise the level of professionalism in our industry is to give more grace to others. If we all recognized that no one in this industry is infallible and that unfortunate things happen from time to time, we could start moving toward the common goal of getting the transaction closed. So the next time a closing is delayed because of a builder, lender or attorney, or your phone call or email does not get returned when you expected or even a mistake is made by the other agent or party, give grace because you want grace when you make a mistake. We often do not know what caused the issue or delay, or what the other person is dealing with that day. Even if it was a mistake, remember no one is perfect. “But for the grace of God go I”, rings true for all of us.
Historical Fact- Pendleton Street was named for Judge Henry Pendleton, one of the Town of Columbia’s original commissioners. He was elected assistant state judge by the Provincial Congress in 1776 and later to the SC House of Representatives in 1780. In 1782 he was captured by the British while riding the circuit. Judge Pendleton is probably best known as one of the authors of the 1785 County Court Act. He died in 1788 in Charleston. Pendleton County was named to honor him in 1789. The county is now part of Anderson County. The Town of Pendleton is located in Anderson.