... putting the "random" back in random acts of kindness ...


I'm not sure that I'll ever forget yesterday morning.
Reversing out of my driveway to take the kids to church, I noticed a couple of girls in their 20s struggling with the front bumper bar of their car on the other side of our street. Somehow it had partly come adrift and they were attempting to remove it entirely so they could continue their journey.
As I drove alongside, I asked if they could use some help ... they were grateful for the offer, and continued to be very thankful as I blew the dust off my socket set (my tools don't get much action usually) and proceeded to detach the remaining part of the bumper, making it safe for them to drive.
During my a-typical display of mechanical prowess I discovered that the girls had been in an accident only moments before, and as I attempted to help them debrief it a bit, I heard that "this woman came out from nowhere and then accused me of running a red light". ... From there I heard some of the driver's life story, that nothing seems to go right for her, and that she needed to get to the other side of town to pick up her kids ...
I suggested that they may not make it that far seeing the car was losing fluid from the cooling system, but they were keen to get going, so I said I hoped things get better for them ... they thanked me again, and they were off (didn't think to get the number plate!).
There is a certain sense of satisfaction in helping someone out ... participating in the Kingdom of God ... being a "Good Samaritan" ... so, I couldn't help but tell my story to Dad in the church foyer when I got there a few minutes late - he had a weird look on his face when I told him, then asked: "What colour was the car?" ... he then explained that Mum had been hit by someone running a red light that morning, then drove off.
"No way ... wouldn't it be weird if it was the same people?" I said with a half-laugh.
Any doubt of this was removed after the church service when Mum showed me the colour of the paint on her car, and part of the other vehicle's bumper that she'd collected from the scene ... it was a match ... "No way!" ...
Yeah, I know ... so, these are the questions that keep bouncing around in my brain ...
  • ... would I have treated these girls any differently if I had known who they hit?
  • ... how would I have felt if Mum was hurt badly, or worse, and I helped the culprits get away?
  • ... if I was participating in God's Kingdom (and I thought I was!), what can I learn about His kingdom from this completely RANDOM set of events?

... any thoughts?

Comments

Matt Fricker said…
I am no mathematician, but the chances of these girls ending up outside your place must be absolutely incredible. Just think about it… even assuming that the accident took place at the nearest set of traffic lights, how many possible directions could they have taken. Random… I don’t think so. Not sure what God might be saying to you here… but I reckon He has a very creative way of getting your attention. Good luck with this one mate…
Kaye said…
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Helen said…
Hasn't God got a great sense of humour _ I know I laughed with the idea of you and tools!!!!! Anyway, I think Kaye is right - you will see those girls again. Ha ha ha tools!!! That's so funny Trav!!!
Be down next weekend - hoping to catch you guys!
Jordan said…
That is a pretty incredible story, and not really a likely one...still, it was pretty cool :)
Kay said…
ok my "spiritual" theory is something I've been thinking about lately regarding Jonah, Israel and Ninevah.
Jonah and no doubt Israel did not think Assyria worthy of God's forgiveness, love and mercy. They were cruel and nasty, and certainly not God's "chosen" ones. Yet God chose to pour out his love, compassion and mercy on an undeserving nation.
Just maybe Trav, God used your hands (and your rusty tools) to show His love and compassion on those undeserving girls who hit your Mum and pretty much lied to you.
None of us are derserving of His mercy, but He chooses to show it anyway.
Thankgoodness!
Just my random thoughts. Hope you get to share this with those girls sometime.
Kay
Helen said…
P.S. Tell me that photo is your tool set!!!! Just try and tell me that it's yours......ha ha ha ha ha

Popular Posts