Random Acts of Kindness

How many times do we hear about a person helping someone else out when that person was down on their luck? Do you ever stop and think, "Yeah, I do that if I was in their shoes." I'd like to believe most of us would help someone else out if it really wasn't that much they were asking for. You know, giving a friend a ride to a party (he just lives down the street, after all), or standing in on someone else's shift (you didn't haven't anything planned that night, anyway). But what about when it actually puts you out a bit? When faced with that kind of situation, what do we decide to do?

Tonight I went out to rent some movies (Jackass is hilarious, but my copy of Sky Captain was scratched, thank you Blockbuster) and buy some food. I had been craving popsicles and I am spoiled on pay day, so with some Good Humor frozen treats in the backseat and a smile on my face I headed to the gas station to fill up. I got out and started to gas up when I was approached by a clean cut guy who then asked if I was headed towards base because he was rideless. Without even really thinking I told him no, I wasn't, but if he needed a ride I'd be glad to give him one.

I finished filling up as he introduced himself as Adam, a Marine Corporal. We got in the car and he started telling me about why he was at the gas station in the first place. Apparantly he had spent the last week in county jail because his wife had him arrested for domestic abuse. It turns out his wife had cheated on him while he was deployed (sadly, a VERY common story) and he had sent her back home while the divorce was being processed. She had come back to California and according to Adam she wanted to cause trouble, hence the arrest. For those who are not familiar with Marine Corps Military Police SOP (Standard Operating Procedure), any time there is a call for a domestic dispute and/or violence, the man is automatically taken away. No matter who is hitting whom, or who is yelling at whom. He was released because there was simply no evidence of any wrongdoing on his part, but the mandatory restraining order awarded his wife meant he couldn't go back to his house. Luckily, a buddy had offered to put him up for a while and this was where I was taking him.

Adam is 21 years old, and his story is pretty common for the Marine Corps as far as young marriage goes. I know, you're saying, "How can you trust this guys word? Maybe he did hit her?" Well, I just didn't get that kind of violent vibe from him. He was just really sad and wanted it all to be over with so he could get on with his life. He stayed in jail for a week instead of signing the plea bargain saying he had hit her because he refused to lie and be branded a wife beater. Anyway, I believe the guy, and there's more to show you why I felt this way.

So in the course of speaking, I tell Adam a bit about my own relationship troubles and how the thing that has been helping me through the ordeal is God. He stops for a second, and mentions how he hasn't prayed in two years. He is afraid to because he thinks that God will be angry with him for only coming to Him when he's having problems. Adam tells me he doesn't want to have to be confronted with that on his day of reconing. I told him that God does not keep track of wrongs like humans do, and that when he asks for forgiveness with remorse in his heart, God will always welcome him back with love and open arms and he will have a clean slate. I knew it because I had just experienced it. Adam told me he hoped I was right. I offered to pick him up for church next Sunday and he said he'd think about it.

We talked about some more stuff as he directed me to the housing area. As we pulled up to his friend's house, he thanked me, and then said, "You know what? I think I will go with you to church next week." I gave him my phone number, we shook hands, and he got out of the car. I wound my way back out to the main road and headed home, hoping my popsicles weren't melted.

I don't know if Adam is going to call me. I hope he does, I'd like a church buddy. I was struck tonight by God's ability to work through me when I just open myself up to His will. When I honestly and truthfully seek Him, He reveals Himself to me and guides my life. I am overwhelmed sometimes by his faithfulness. Thank you for allowing me to reflect your love to another human here on Earth, Lord. I'll be your mirror any day.

GAL 5:13
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."

It's amazing what God can do with you when you let Him.

-Matt