You Helped Me!

The other day I was driving my family into town and there was an older man stuck in the ditch with his lawn tractor.

I passed by him, and looked down at him in the ditch and thought, I could probably get him out pretty quickly. Then another thought crossed my mind. I was wearing brand new khaki pants. If I helped him, I could ruin my pants. As I drove past, I had the feeling that I really should stop and help. I stopped the car, turned around and went back.

When I stopped my mini-van and got out, his wife had joined him in the yard, and immediately told me that if I got into the ditch I'd get all dirty. She tried to wave me off, but she couldn't do much as I ignored her protests and stepped down into the ditch. With a couple of pushes we had him out of the ditch and ready to finish the yard work. I didn't even get mud on my paints. He thanked me several times, and even asked if I wanted money.

As I got back into the car with my wife and children, I realized what a service he had done for me. He gave me the chance to be a hero in front of my kids. They thought I was not only super strong for pushing the lawn tractor out of the ditch, but they also saw me being helpful to a complete stranger.

I was blessed to have a father who stopped to help people on the road when they were in distress. That is a heritage I am hoping to also pass on to my kids!

Reflecting on this experience I feel that I need to thank that man for giving me such a great opportunity! Thanks man! I owe you!