A guy just stopped me at the gas station and asked me if I could buy him a few dollars of gas to get home. He and his wife had run out as they pulled in, and they had already blown out a tire earlier in the day.
I ran my card through the pump and it started running. But within a few seconds he started looking at me and asked, "How much should I pump here?"
The question didn't register at first, and he asked again. He seemed concerned. It was just a few gallons, and my response after a few seconds was, "That will get you home." He thanked me, got in his car, and drove away.
Only five seconds later, I had climbed into my own car and the scriptures started playing in my head. I knew that, while I had been willing to serve when asked, in reality I had failed.
"If a man ask thee for thy coat, give him thy cloak also... and if he compel thee to travel with him a mile, go with him twain."
It hadn't even occurred to me to fill up his tank until he was gone. He was already having a rough day, and that one small and simple gesture would have been enough to change it from awful to miraculous. It would have been an extra $50. $50 for a miracle in someone's life, and I missed the opportunity.
Man. I still have an awfully long way to go.
I'm autistic, ex-bipolar, and attracted to other guys (gay/SSA/whatever). More importantly, I'm a son of God and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). My life is usually amazing. This is my story of hope, happiness, and faith.
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Monday, November 5
6 comments:
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Don't be too hard on yourself. I think it's beautiful that you actually sat down to really think this through and reflect spiritually. A lot of people wouldn't even go that far. Then again, a lot of people wouldn't even offer to pay anything to help a stranger. You did a good and very Christ-like thing.
ReplyDeleteHad one of those moments myself earlier today. I'm not going to tell you not to be too hard on yourself, because the next time you find yourself in the same situation, you're going to do a little better.
ReplyDeleteEven so, you helped a man out today. That deserves props, my friend. Besides, no matter how long of a way you have to go, you're clearly moving in the right direction, eh?
I think you had that experience so next time you can think quicker. You are such a sweet spirit, you just did not have time to decide. Now you have decided and next time your answer will be the one the Lord needs you to make ... it sounds like your heart was being prepared for a real, even greater need.
ReplyDeleteI think you did great. If I were in a similar situation, if the thought occurred to fill the tank, I wouldn't have been able to afford it, anyway. But I would have been happy to help him with a few gallons, which is exactly what you did.
ReplyDeleteI like the way you think. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAnd you'll do better next time. It's what growth is all about. But for him, today, you were a hero.
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