Looking Around To Help Somebody Out
I try to help people out when they seem to need it. I try to be a good guy. I try to be someone people could count on when they are in a jam. So this week is not any different. I am just looking around for somebody to help out.
On the freeway, especially our freeways here in the Bay Area, there are always opportunities to help. I know a bit about cars so I try to stop and help if I can. Some woman was stopped on 280 on Tuesday. I thought I would help her out. I pulled in behind her, and cautiously approached her. I didn’t want her to get scared of me.
She was simply out of gas. East to fix! I offered to take her to a gas station. Then I thought better of that. I suggested I just go to the gas station and get her some gas. She was good with that.
I left. Found the nearest station. (Not easy off 280.) I returned 30 minutes later. Put the gas in her car. She started up her car and took off.
I was a bit peeved. No “Thanks.” There was not even a wave. So I prayed for her WAY behind her back. I prayed for her because she must be in such a big hurry that simple gratitude is ignored. What must her life be like? I am going to pray for her.
Sometimes our efforts feel like they are dismissed, or they just don’t count. The effort matters. We can all make an effort! It is so… doable!
-Anon (from New Life Community Church, Burlingame, CA)
August 1st, 2008 · 7 Comments
Categories: OA Stories
Jim Henderson said
am August 3 2008 @ 12:25 am
Jesus counts the stuff others ignore
marete said
am August 3 2008 @ 1:16 am
Hello Good Samaritan, please dont give up helping because of this soul who thinks what you did was entitled for her, she didnt see you took your time to do that. I have done the same many times and people nver even looked back to say a simple thanks…Remember you are the one to count the blessings..and remember the story of the Good Samaritan in the bible..And may I say God bless you!
Ken said
am August 5 2008 @ 4:36 pm
Must’ve been one of the nine lepers.
Larry said
am August 20 2008 @ 9:54 am
Maybe she did not now what to say because nobody had treated her that nice before.
Randy said
am August 20 2008 @ 11:29 am
I think fear tends to paralyze us. It’s likely that she just wanted to get the heck outta there, still fearing that this good samaritan might have ominous intentions. Our world is indeed a scary place to live these days.
We can change that.
sayitaintso said
am August 20 2008 @ 8:58 pm
1) My Road to Damascus experience was like hers. Broken down on a highway, helped by strangers. You don’t know her next chapter.
2) You turn the ignition, the engine turns over, you give it gas, and OH HELL are you out of there before it sputters and dies again. By the time you exhale, you’re half a mile down the road thinking I NEVER STOPPED TO SAY THANK YOU. WHAT CAN I DO? Believe me, it is an invitation to prayer.
Randy said
am August 21 2008 @ 1:26 pm
sayitaintso,
Nicely said…and another great viewpoint of this circumstance. We don’t know the next chapter. Thanks for helping us see our own limitations.