I'VE GOT GAS... (and other real life stories)

While traveling recently I've noticed many folks stranded on the roadside with vehicle problems. I've been reacting like the first two peeps in the biblical story of the 'Good Samaritan'- I just pass them by and say, "Well... if I weren't in such a hurry...". I've often wondered if there will ever be an opportunity to help when I wasn't 'too busy'.

Tonight I had my chance, but the outcome wasn't quite what I was expecting. I had just left my friend Mike's house. It was around midnight. I was traveling home a way that I had never really gone before. My gas light was on and the gauge was resting on top of the big "E". I spotted a BP just in time, coasted in, filled up. Gas was expensive. Only put $8 in. (Was that last fact relevant? Maybe... but not really). I continued on my journey home.

About half a mile down the road I saw a teal pick-up truck with it's hazards on in the right lane. I rolled by with the windows down and ask the man if he needed help. He didn't speak english too well, but managed to get out that his gas tank was empty. Funny, I was just about to be in his same predictament. I asked if he had any amigos coming to out to help and he replied something like "they were sleeping", but I couuldn't really tell if that was a 'yes' or a 'no'.. So I asked him if he'd like for me to get him some gas. He said yes. When I asked if he had a gas can he said yes and then said no. I was confused, but I went ahead and took off to buy a gas can and some gas for 'em. It was the least I could do. Plus it felt like 40 degrees outside and he was only wearing jeans and a 'wife beater' (with his arms cozy inside his shirt hugging his skin)

I go back to the gas station and ask if they have gas cans. They were sold out, but the attendant said he'll go check the back when the line went down, but people kept coming in. I was losing a little patience. Finally he gets a break and checks the back room. No luck. Then he tells me, "I've got one in my truck that I'll loan you". I said "Great". Then he told me he was getting off of work and that if he wasn't here to bring it back tomorrow. I agreed, bought some gas and was on my way back to my stranded compadre. On the way I noticed another man walking around his car that was in an abandoned restaurant parking lot. It looked like he was having car trouble, too. But I hurried on my way back to help another victim.

I pulled up, got the gas can from my passenger side floorboard and headed over to his truck. I checked the side for the gas hole and suddenly I noticed a gas can in the back of his truck. I thought "WHAT!", but I just kinda smiled and said to myself "Whatever- I didn't have to buy one". Finally I looked up at him and instantly noticed that his truck was running?!?! What? Ohhh....kay. He was smiling. His friend had made it after all. Ok- so that was a waste. I returned his smile and started thinking of what was I gonna do with that gas. Oh yeah- my car isn't full - I'll just add it in there. I started to consider giving it to the guy that leant me the gas can, but I didn't want him to think I didn't use it and it was a waste of time.

Anyway. I poured it into my car, on to my car, and not to mention on my hands. Everything was getting gased... by accident. It was a wonderful time. I got back into my car asking God "Why?". "Why did you let me waste my time like that, God? That sucked. I wanted to do something good for someone."

I drove back to the gas station to drop the gas can off and gave the store guy $5 just to say thanks. I didn't need to, but I thought it'd be a nice incentive for him to do it again. And one day, if someone didn't return it then he won't feel too bad because it had already paid for itself. Plus, it made me feel like I could make at least someone smile with gratitude tonight.

So I headed back home. I drove past the other car that was in the abandoned parking lot. The car lights were off and the guy must have been sitting inside his car, but I couldn't really tell. The hood wasn't up - so I just passed it off and figured that maybe he was just a drug dealer or something waiting for customers. Again, I didn't know much about this side of town and I really didn't feel like taking too many unwanted risks. If this guy needed help he'd show signs... at least put on his hazard lights.

Then- I couldn't take it anymore. I had to find out what this guy needed- if anything. I turned the car around. Worse case scenerio I'd die tonight. Best case... it'd help bridge the racial lines one person at a time. He was a big & tall African-American guy and just happen to be wearing all black. I was a little intimidated, but felt that I could drive away fast enough if I needed.

I pull in. He was out of his car now and stared at me. I asked if he needed a hand with his car. He pointed to the wheel. "It's flat," he said. "It's my daughters car. I just was heading up to the store real quick and this happened and I don't have a jack."

I hopped out of my car and told him that I should have one. He said that his family was coming with one. I figured I'd go ahead and try to beat them too it anyway. Before I found all of my jack pieces they pulled up. He was very kind and gentle and gave me a sincere "thanks". I was off again.

"Why God? Why can't I help with anything? Another waste of time! I was finally able to find the time to do something and there was nothing for me to do! What are you trying to tell me God? I conquered my fears, but I didn't really do anything. What lesson can I learn from this?"


A lot of thoughts went through my head and, honestly, I was really happy that everything happened this way anyway. I know that I can't be their for everyone, but it was fun to try. Yes, I would have liked to make a difference, but maybe I did just by stopping and asking if they needed help. The offer, in itself, I hope made a difference.

Suddenly, I hear God whisper to me, "Turn on the radio." So I do it.

What do you know... they were playing "If we are the Body..." by Casting Crowns on the Christian station (91.9). The chorus goes something like this:

If we are the body
Why arent His arms reaching
Why arent His hands healing
Why arent His words teaching
And if we are the body
Why arent His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way

I felt that He was telling me the answer. We need to do more of these kinds of things. Maybe this was a test to see if I'd really do it in two different situations. We need to reach out to others, we need to help others recover and heal, we need to teach others by example and by words, we need to go out of our way to make an impact for Him. Step beyond our comfort zones. Okay... I got it.

Right after I finally registered all of this, I was nearly home and I passed a couple of our local homeless that I recognized from various street corners. It was very cold out and they were wearing very thin jackets. I thought "I have some nice warm jackets at home that I never wear. I should go and get'em". Then it hit me... "Why do I have all this stuff? I don't need it. I have maybe 15-20 jackets and only one of me. Some of these I don't think I've worn more than once. I should be ashamed to think that I needed all this stuff when there are people in my own neighbourhood that don't have anything. I'm a collector of clothing and fun junk in general, why? I should be putting my investment elsewhere. What a simple wake up call. It only took a 15-minute car ride. How many 15-minute car rides do I make and miss dozens of opportunities to help. Makes me realize I've got a lot more to learn in this life.



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