THE MORAL OF THE STORY:Have compassion for whomever you meet
“If I can put one touch of rosy sunset into the life of any man or woman, I shall feel that I have worked with God.” — G.K. Chesterton
It is interesting how many things I take for granted until they stop working. Recently, my washing machine went on strike. Unfortunately, it stopped working while it was filled with water, soap and a load of clothes.
I called the plumbers and was told nobody could come for two days. When the day came, I called to check the timing. The woman I spoke with was very friendly, but she paused a moment before saying, “I’m really sorry to have to ask you this, but can we possibly postpone your appointment to tomorrow morning?”
She sounded stressed, so I asked if something was wrong and said I’d be happy to help if it was important.
“Oh, thank you so much. It’s this technician’s first day back after recovering from a minor stroke, and he’s really exhausted and would like to go home now,” she explained.
“Of course I’ll wait,” I said. “Send the poor man home. What are clothes compared to a man’s health? Tomorrow is fine, as long as it’s all right for him to be working. I can certainly wait for someone else.”
“He assured me he’ll be fine tomorrow morning,” she replied. “Thank you so much for your flexibility, and thank you especially for your concern.”
I told her I was surprised that she was so surprised at my response.
“You’d be amazed at some people,” she said. “They forget that technicians are people too.”
After we hung up I shook my head, but she was right. Sometimes we can get so busy that we forget that everyone we come in contact with is just as important and just as loved by God as we are.
Every day we have countless opportunities, and the responsibility, to help spread the warmth of God’s love to everyone who God places in our path.
And you can quote me on that.
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