Here is another great heartwarming story that speaks volumes to not only what our actions can do for us, but the impact they have on others around us.
Lend a helping hand
We were coming home one Sunday afternoon from a fun filled weekend at our ranch in South Texas. I remember the conversation was starting to get a little grumpy in the car with my two girls. Mom and Dads tempers were as well.
As we were driving down a long stretch of deserted road, we came upon an elderly gentleman having trouble with a flat tire. I said we should stop and lend a hand for this poor guy. I got a resounding NO from my passengers. You should never stop out on deserted roads in the middle of nowhere Daddy, plus were hungry and the next DQ is coming up soon. Well…I did stop; I asked the girls to lock all the doors and said I would only be a minute.
The elderly man had been there for well over an hour in 95-degree hot humid weather. He was confused as to how all this new tire changing stuff worked. I smiled and asked if I could lend a hand. Well in no time I had his tire fixed and all his stuff put back in his trunk and he was on his way.
My girls watched this whole experience through the window of our suburban. My littlest commented that that was a really nice thing to do Daddy and it really didn’t take that long. The coolest thing that happened was the elderly man as it turned out was one of my wife’s father’s best friends from years ago. My father-in-law passed away 35 years ago but it sure made all of us feel good. Not to mention that building anger that was in the car before I stopped was gone, it was replaced with conversation on how to lend a hand when someone needs help!
Doug RyderToday's Tip: Leave comments on each blog you stop at and read today. Let the author know just how their post impacted you and what you enjoyed most from it.
About a year ago, my marine son (not in uniform) saw an elderly man struggling with a tire on the side of 64 near Norfolk, Va (very busy interstate). Seth stopped and changed the tire. As he shook the man's hand and began to leave. The elderly man told him he wanted him to follow him. He wanted to buy him dinner. Seth tried to respectfully say no, but the man insisted. Seth followed and during dinner in a very nice steak house the man placed $100 in his hand. Seth again, tried to decline. At that time, the elderly man who had seen the marine sticker on Seth's car told him he was a retired 5 star General. He told him he could afford to do this and he wanted to do it. He joked and told him if he were still in the military he would have given him a promotion. The elderly man knew Seth did not have to stop, but did it because it was the right thing to do. I am still moved to tears when I think about it. I raised my kids to help others and indeed they got it!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, andrea
Such a small act can make a huge impact--an eternal impact!
ReplyDeleteWow! I got a double-dose of inspiring stories from you and sis Andrea...Awesome! God bless you sister Kat and thank you for reminding us about what ACT can do..
ReplyDeleteKat,
ReplyDeleteWow, how awesome is that ~ that he was able to help a man who he thought was a stranger and then yet "he wasn't at all" I love how God works and when we OBEY!! Oh the blessings~~ Just like this blog is to you and your family I am sure! Out of your obedience the Lord has been able to bless you more than what you ever thought!!
This story and all the others inspire me every time I read them!! Thankyou for your obedience in bringing this blog to fruition!
Love and Blessings to you
I love stories like that. I was driving once and I had my little brother with me...who was probably only 6 or 7 at the time and I was in high school. The tire on our van went flat and I had NO clue what to do. A man pulled up behind me and he and his wife got out and said they wanted to change my tire. He was a mechanic and said he always pulled over when he saw someone with a flat tire, especially if it wasn't a group of two guys (you know, cause they can probably change a tire). Within 10 minutes of the flat, I was on my way. It really meant something that a stranger would help me when I had no clue what to do.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! It's amazing to see what God does in our lives, sometimes without our realizing it. :)
In regards to your question, yes, feel free to share my 'gift giving' story. It would be an honor.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll meet some more great people. :o)
I am still moved to tears when I think about it.
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