Traveling the Rock Road

Had an unusual occurrence the other day. While I was in a store here in my town, I had to make use of the men’s room. When I entered, I almost tripped over a mobile cart that was backed halfway into a stall. This elderly gentleman had driven it in and then getting as close he could used it support himself as he stood to use the facility. I smiled and thought, well that’s rather clever; he must be able to maneuver that bad boy pretty well to pull off this stunt. When I got ready to leave, I noticed the man was having difficulty getting turned around and back on the cart. Two others who were at the sinks noticed also. One smiled while the other shook his head and walked out. Admittedly, I confess I started out the door also when the thought flooded my mind, “Miller, what are you doing?! He’s probably 20 years your senior, but that could be you some day. Get over there and help!” This guy was wedged in there so tight, and I could tell his legs did not work well, he couldn’t get turned around to get reseated. I was at a loss what to do. I could go get my reciprocating saw and cut the wall of stall down but I didn’t think the store would look upon that too kindly. Another man about my age came in and saw the dilemma so he offered to help. Between us we were able to get the cart out far enough that one of us could grab him and help him back on. That was a task in itself seeing the brother could hardly move or bend his knees. Several minutes passed, but we finally got him back on. Good! Except, he might have gotten that supermarket dune buggy in there but didn’t have enough turning radius to get it out. So, with the help of my comrade in toilet rescue, we physically manhandled the cart and rider around three tight corners until he had a clear path and was able to shoot out the door where his concerned wife was waiting.  Sheesh! One thing was for sure my BP meds got a workout. Who needs the Y, just hire yourself out for emergency bathroom extractions! My new friend in this endeavor was covered with as much sweat as I had so we retreated back into the restroom to clean up a bit.  When I caught my breath and was heading out of the store a new thought came. “What are you, nuts! Why didn’t you go get some of the store personnel to do this? Afterall they’re younger and it’s their job anyway.” I like to think I’m the same man I was years back, but age and medical issues have slowed me down. Oh well, it’s over and I didn’t flatline so no big deal.

Leaving the store, I saw the wife and a younger woman loading the gentleman into a van. “Need any help?” They said they had him and thanked me. Then the wife told the other gal, who I found out was the daughter, that I was the one who helped in the restroom. Immediately she came over and gave a big hug. I assured her it was no problem, but then she said, “I don’t know how many times we had situations where father needed help, and people just kept walking. Thank you and God bless you.” With a smile I told her, “I believe He just did.” Driving home a new thought was whispering in my ear, a phrase I heard in the past. “If not me then who? If not now than when?”

“It is the understanding of others and the awareness of their needs, that the ambassador of CHRIST should strive to cultivate.” Larry Crabb

Now as I’ve said in the past, please don’t take this as blowing my own horn. I’m not anything special and in this case didn’t do anything that most of you have done. But as a Christian, I am fervently convinced that we should put forth an effort to show grace and mercy to others, just as Jesus did for us.

Philippians 2:4 “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

The chances of this latest “Traveler of the Rock Road” ever crossing my path again is slim. Well, least I hope not, not sure I could pry him out twice! But I don’t believe in coincidences especially when it comes to something like this. This ole boy was in trouble so God placed me and my friend there at the right time. May we all be ready and willing to serve when opportunity arises to help others.

Matthew 25:40 And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers, you did it to me.”

Thanks for reading.

See ya next time.