Zero. Zip. Zilch.

I had no idea.

I had no idea what I had signed up for, simply by getting out of bed this morning.

I had no idea that I would be asked to dance while at work.

I had no idea that in offering my friend a ride home from school; I would be so deeply encouraged as she shared her life with me, that in her vulnerability and honesty I would witness healing. 

I had no idea that I could enjoy class more if I took the time to get to know my professor.

I had no idea that a spur of the moment In-N-Out run with my favorite sister would be so good and so necessary.

I had no idea that a hug could bring so much peace.

I had no idea that I was holding back and that honesty is the most freeing thing.

I had no idea that I would be so blessed with an abundance of free food.

I had no idea, but I am so glad.

So glad.

Thank you.

And that’s why you always stop to help people whose car has failed them!

So I’m driving home from River Park and I see a man pushing a vehicle along the right shoulder of the road.  I think to myself “Oh, I should help!  Uhh wait, he’s almost to the gas station, by the time I pull over to help I won’t even be needed.”  So I kept driving, I pass the first stoplight and I can’t stop thinking about it.  I pass the second stoplight and Jeff’s sermon pops into my mind and I now feel guilty for not stopping to help.  I realize I have nothing to gain by holding this regret all the way home; so I flip a U.  I get back to the spot where I saw said vehicle.  Nothing.  I drive around a nearby parking lot.  Nothing.  I look harder.  AHA!!  Found them!  I drive over, surveying the scene I realize that they are parked in a stall and that the gas station is closed.  Rolling down my window I ask the man, “Hey!  Are you the guy who was pushing his vehicle?!”  He replies with a chuckle and says “yes”.  I ask if I can help and he proceeds to explain that the problem actually can’t be fixed here, but that a tow truck is on its way.  However he makes sure to express his appreciation for my concern.  I brush it off as nothing, and realizing that I’m not gonna be of much help (just as I had predicted) I nod and say, “So, uh so then you guys are good.  Do you need to call anyone?  I mean… should I just go, or….” As I trail off the girl pops in; “Well, actually!  Would you like some free Starbucks food!?”  Caught completely off guard I furrow my brow and reply with, “Well, one can never refuse free food!?”  I get out of my car and walk over.  We make small talk she pulls out four breakfast sandwiches and a lunch wrap.  Giving me the small bundle of food, she looks at me with recognition; although I look familiar, we can’t place it.  After a couple seconds she too thanks me for my concern and as we say goodbye, her phone rings; their friends are on the way to help out.  I smile and thank her, she waves goodbye. 

And that was perty much it!  I didn’t get to help them, but I did get free food out of the deal.  It was an unexpectedly encouraging moment for me, and I got to giggle to myself all the way home.