Today seconds after dropping the eldest and friends off to school (I'm the morning car-pool dad) I was given a choice and a chance.
A choice to get involved, and a chance to make a difference.
Getting through North Philly at 7:30am, especially the intersection of Olney and Ogontz, can be a challenge. As I tetris'd my way from the student drop zone to the turn lane to head towards work, a slow moving car turned into the intersection. It was slow moving because the driver, not dressed for winter weather, was pushing the apparently stalled vehicle by running alongside, hanging onto the wheel with the door open. And my immediate thoughts? "Why is he turning HERE? There's nowhere to stop that thing here. Gah! there's no emergency lane. Now he's gonna have to push that thing uphill to get out of the way. How can I get around THIS?." Yep, I was thinking some pretty un-gracious thoughts at that point. Thoughts of helping were tweaking the back my mind, but how was still banging around in there. One thing changed that.
The driver two cars ahead, waiting for his turn at the turn lane (and at this point blocked by the disabled car) got out, walked to the back of the car, and pushed. No yelling, no mean gestures, no look of contempt. Just Action. As the two struggled - I got the clear communication of what to do.
Get out and push.
So I took position next to the well dressed Samaritan and followed his lead. He grunted thanks (as only we guys can) as we pushed the car a half block up, into a parking spot. The driver yelled thanks as we both turned, and walk-trotted back to our cars. As I put my car into drive and queued up again to turn, I realized that the whole episode had taken only about sixty seconds. It renewed my hope in this world just a bit.
The guy who broke down didn't ask for help. But it was pretty evident he needed it. It was pretty evident that the Samaritan and I were not from the neighborhood, and were just passing through on our way - probably to work. We never met before, and will probably not meet again.
But we all changed each other - even for a bit.
All in Sixty Seconds.
Now some may argue we didn't change anything. The Samaritan & I were presented with a "problem" and rectified it for our own gain. Others may say I didn't do enough, and should have checked what else I could have done for the driver, or better yet - check if he knew Christ as his savior.
I think I did exactly what was intended. For I believe, being involved those sixty seconds weren't intended to change the driver, the Samaritan, or any observers. It was meant to change me.
1 John 3:18 Explains that by doing what we talk about, by being involved, by "practicing real love" we begin to live truly in the reality of God. And what better way to combat self doubts of your own integrity?
I was a stepping stone for an unknown man for sixty seconds. Just think what could be accomplished if each of us took a minute of time to give hope to another. Better yet, instead of sixty seconds, what about sixty minutes? A day? A Week?
Whatever you can share, what you may discover in the end, is the hope you have given - is to yourself.
Mike K.
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What's Coming Up:
We're suppose to meet for "First Saturday" this weekend. There's also suppose to be a all-day snowstorm that may preempt that. Before heading out, contact Amy or Myself. If you need our number - Reply to this message.
Big Game Party this Sunday in the Youth Room on the Big Screen. Stop by for a Quarter, or the whole Game.
Agape Dinner and Musial Extravaganza is Coming up Feb 20th. See Greg or Kelly G (yea, I know their "Gs" are different, but still) for tickets - limited seating first come, first served.
Stay Safe with the Snow, and Remember to Spread a little Hope.
Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier. ~Author Unknown
Got Questions?
Let us be your Stepping Stone!
Peace to Your House!
Mike & Amy K.
