I can't agree more. Women and moms seem to do this best. Like you, I'm trying to see things through His eyes.
I had an experience many years ago in late fall when I was going to my favorite teriyaki chicken and rice lunch spot. As I opened my truck door, smelling the lingering odor of what I was about to eat, I quickly put on my winter coat to stave off the chill while transitioning from my trucks warm interior. My eyes then saw a women, who was very pregnant and cold. Her sandy blond hair was not made up nor was her face. Her outdated clothing looked like she had spent a restless night trying to sleep in them. She boldly approached and told me that her dual propane tanks to her trailer had ran out and that her tanks were outdated so no one would fill them.
She asked if I could help. I asked how much new propane tanks cost, she answered, "about twenty dollars a piece." I looked in my wallet to find two twenty-dollar bills. I gave her one and said, "this should give you a good start."
I then proceeded to order my well anticipated food. However, the chicken and rice didn't seem to have the same effect on my mood as usual, then my insides seemed depressed. I walked outside and didn't find the woman on the sidewalk as before. I then realized that I wasn't depressed, but ashamed. What I should have done was walk with her into the next door Bi-Mart, purchased the propane tanks, then drive her to a station in my warm truck and fill them up. I should have then taken them to her trailer, installed them and made sure her heating was working properly. But alas, I did not. I left work several times later that afternoon trying to find the pregnant woman, but did not.
I never saw her again. I often wonder if she was able to find what she needed, or if she was able to bring her newborn child into a warm trailer.
Why didn't I act? I ask this question to myself every time I remember this amoral moment. In fact it haunts me sometimes, and I wish I could say that I have done things differently since, but I have not. I still have some learning to do so I can see those in need the same as the Savior does. My hope is that someday I will.
Thank you for sharing my friend. No doubt we all have experienced a moment similar to this. So glad the journey of discipleship includes repentance “rest stops” to recommit to do better. Blessings brother!
I can't agree more. Women and moms seem to do this best. Like you, I'm trying to see things through His eyes.
I had an experience many years ago in late fall when I was going to my favorite teriyaki chicken and rice lunch spot. As I opened my truck door, smelling the lingering odor of what I was about to eat, I quickly put on my winter coat to stave off the chill while transitioning from my trucks warm interior. My eyes then saw a women, who was very pregnant and cold. Her sandy blond hair was not made up nor was her face. Her outdated clothing looked like she had spent a restless night trying to sleep in them. She boldly approached and told me that her dual propane tanks to her trailer had ran out and that her tanks were outdated so no one would fill them.
She asked if I could help. I asked how much new propane tanks cost, she answered, "about twenty dollars a piece." I looked in my wallet to find two twenty-dollar bills. I gave her one and said, "this should give you a good start."
I then proceeded to order my well anticipated food. However, the chicken and rice didn't seem to have the same effect on my mood as usual, then my insides seemed depressed. I walked outside and didn't find the woman on the sidewalk as before. I then realized that I wasn't depressed, but ashamed. What I should have done was walk with her into the next door Bi-Mart, purchased the propane tanks, then drive her to a station in my warm truck and fill them up. I should have then taken them to her trailer, installed them and made sure her heating was working properly. But alas, I did not. I left work several times later that afternoon trying to find the pregnant woman, but did not.
I never saw her again. I often wonder if she was able to find what she needed, or if she was able to bring her newborn child into a warm trailer.
Why didn't I act? I ask this question to myself every time I remember this amoral moment. In fact it haunts me sometimes, and I wish I could say that I have done things differently since, but I have not. I still have some learning to do so I can see those in need the same as the Savior does. My hope is that someday I will.
Thank you for sharing my friend. No doubt we all have experienced a moment similar to this. So glad the journey of discipleship includes repentance “rest stops” to recommit to do better. Blessings brother!