The title of this thread just made me remember an incident about 2 years ago, somewhat of a turning point (one of many) in my life.
I'll tell it as it happened.
I was in a hurry to go get something and return quickly with the car. My wife was waiting and she had allowed me to use her vehicle to go and fetch something. I'm not sure exactly what but it was of no great importance.
Whilst driving down the main road out of our village I noticed an older man stumbling along the pavement. He seemed to be having trouble, on closer inspection he seemed to be under the influence of alcohol and/or injured. He could only manage a few steps forward before resting - yes it was your typical 'bum' with shopping bag etc. I thought that I recognized him from somewhere.
Anyway, I sped past thinking only of my task at hand, but somehow the thought occured to me that I should be of help.
'Practice what you preech'.
It was a split second decision.
At the next possible spot I did a U turn and headed back towards him. I pulled over and saw that he was injured - his leg was bleeding, not too bad, but it was hindering his progress. He was fairly drunk but still quite able to talk.
I asked him where he lived, it was not too far away, but he would probably have taken ages under his own steam.
He smelled awful too.
I said "come on jump in, I'll take you home".
His first reaction was to reach into his pocket to offer me some change for giving him a ride. I said it was ok, he should Keep his money.
I helped him into the car and drove hime home, making sure that someone answered the door when we got there.
He said his wife was home and would look after him.
He said "thanks" and looked me in the eyes.
Later my wife enquired about me having been gone so long and the strange smell in the car.
I told her.
She said "YOU DID WHAT.....!"
I'll spare you the rest of her comments.
I felt that I had been asked to serve. I had the choice. I chose the way I felt.
Have I always done enough?
No, I'm human, but that time I think I got the message.
I'll tell it as it happened.
I was in a hurry to go get something and return quickly with the car. My wife was waiting and she had allowed me to use her vehicle to go and fetch something. I'm not sure exactly what but it was of no great importance.
Whilst driving down the main road out of our village I noticed an older man stumbling along the pavement. He seemed to be having trouble, on closer inspection he seemed to be under the influence of alcohol and/or injured. He could only manage a few steps forward before resting - yes it was your typical 'bum' with shopping bag etc. I thought that I recognized him from somewhere.
Anyway, I sped past thinking only of my task at hand, but somehow the thought occured to me that I should be of help.
'Practice what you preech'.
It was a split second decision.
At the next possible spot I did a U turn and headed back towards him. I pulled over and saw that he was injured - his leg was bleeding, not too bad, but it was hindering his progress. He was fairly drunk but still quite able to talk.
I asked him where he lived, it was not too far away, but he would probably have taken ages under his own steam.
He smelled awful too.
I said "come on jump in, I'll take you home".
His first reaction was to reach into his pocket to offer me some change for giving him a ride. I said it was ok, he should Keep his money.
I helped him into the car and drove hime home, making sure that someone answered the door when we got there.
He said his wife was home and would look after him.
He said "thanks" and looked me in the eyes.
Later my wife enquired about me having been gone so long and the strange smell in the car.
I told her.
She said "YOU DID WHAT.....!"
I'll spare you the rest of her comments.
I felt that I had been asked to serve. I had the choice. I chose the way I felt.
Have I always done enough?
No, I'm human, but that time I think I got the message.
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