The One with the Flat Tire
She had her phone to her ear, jack sitting under the car, and the spare tire and parts laying to the side. Standing 20 feet in front of me, in need of help, and all I could think of was, “what would I want someone to do, if my child was stranded like her.”
I don’t have a track record of being great with my hands. Ashley picks on me when it comes to projects, that IF, and or when I do attempt to be “handy,” it takes me FOREVER to get the job done, IF I can even do that! But I looked at Ashley and told her, I had to do what I could to help. It was Father’s Day, and it was time to be a dad.
I found out that her name was Becca and she was on her way to see her dad for Father’s Day. I also discovered she was an incredibly sweet young lady who is impacting young lives in the Clayton community through the school system. Talk about inspiration to get the job done!
(Me and Becca)
After I gave her full disclaimer of my “skills,” we got to work to change her tire. I wasn’t a speed demon getting the car lifted enough to work on the tire. I tried putting the donut on backwards my first attempt. And my second! Lol. But we got it on there and as tight as could be.
Then we realized that her spare tire was, in the words of my son Brantley, “as flat as a pancake!” So after filling it up with as much air as the pump would give, we caravanned slowly down the interstate until we had a chance to safely inspect our handiwork and the tires ability to maintain pressure.
I’m happy to report, that Becca got to her dad safely, and I’m sure had a great time with her dad!
4 Lesson’s I Learned:
Your heart is the catalyst to your actions.
What you have a passion for, will open up doors of opportunity to impact others. None of us can do everything, but we can all do something. Whatever moves your heart should be reflected in what you do!
Treat others like you want your kids to be treated!
Ashley and I only have boys, but my heart absolutely melted at the thought of us having a girl stranded someday needing help like Becca. That feeling kept me from being able to stay in my car and thrust me towards unfamiliarity. It also super charged my determination to be the substitute dad I would want someone else to be for mine, if I was unavailable. Everyone matters, so treat them like that!
You don’t need skills to help someone.
I had VERY little experience at changing a tire. If it wasn’t for another guy showing up and the help of youtube, my first attempt a few months ago wouldn’t have gone near as well! BUT, I believe choosing to stop everything in your world to step into someone else’s can mean the world to them. Just to say “I see you, and I’m here to help.” Life can be lonely, so every time you show up when you see a need, is huge, whether you are the best at the job ahead or not.
Your life is an example for others.
My wife and boys were in our car. Captive. No nap had been taken and none was in sight. Nothing about helping Becca would be convenient for my wife and boys. But they were watching. I know that because I grew up watching my dad. I’m still watching him. I saw/see him helping others so many times over the years. Serving our community as a teacher and friend and follower of Jesus. Times that were planned and unplanned. He just kept showing up. He helped teach me (and is still teaching me.") So remember that others are watching you. Your kids, friends, coworkers, strangers. Be Jesus and do as much good as you can! #bettertogether
Flat tires are NO fun. BUT, the next time you see someone in need of help, look for the good AND do good… the situation just might surprise you!
#todaysgonnabeagoodday
