The Sunday after Thanksgiving, I found myself in an unexpected predicament. Despite the heavy snowfall, I needed to drive my daughter to her friend’s house early in the morning so she could carpool back to college. As we drove, we approached a long, snow-covered incline. My GPS showed a red slowdown ahead, which confused me as there was hardly anyone on the road. But as we reached the hill, I saw the reason.
One car sat stuck off to the side, and a pickup truck was helping pull it up the hill. As I carefully crept past, I quickly found myself in the same predicament; my car simply wouldn’t make it up the incline. As the pickup passed by, towing the other vehicle, the driver held up one finger as if to say, “I’ll be right back.” And sure enough, he circled around and came to help me too.
When he stepped out of his truck, I noticed he had a shirt and tie on beneath his overalls and jacket. With a smile, he explained that his wife teases him for always keeping towing supplies in his truck and that he was dressed up because he was on his way to church.
This young man spent nearly twenty minutes helping me get unstuck. His hands grew cold, and his knuckles were scraped and bloodied, but he stayed until the job was done. When I tried to offer him some money, he refused, saying his wife would kill him if he accepted. I suggested he put it in the collection basket at church, but again he declined, simply wishing me a great day before heading off.
I was deeply inspired. Inspired by his willingness to help. Inspired by his devotion to his wife, who is clearly an amazing Christian in her own right. And inspired by his humility and openness to the prompting of the Spirit.
As we journey this beautiful season of Advent, let us allow stories like this to spark something in our hearts. Let us be inspired by others and when we feel strengthened and uplifted, let us be the ones who inspire (feel free to be inspired by the actions in our Advent Action Books). May our Advent Actions be small lights breaking through dark winter skies, signs of Christ’s love made visible in ordinary moments.
