Dough Head

There may be some people who would say I am a little absent minded, maybe even accident prone. I spill my coffee nearly everyday, lock my keys in the car on a regular basis and usually find my cell phone neatly tucked away in the fridge or kitchen cabinets. My dad had a nickname for me growing up, it was not sweetie or baby doll, no it was dough head. I do think I got off better than my sister whose nickname was Stinky (sorry Courtney). Even from an early age my mind was usually thinking on something other than the task at hand. This trait as annoying as it was to my parents, is even more annoying to my sweet husband.

So in my ever present quest to discover how long I can drive with my gas light on I once again found myself on the side of the road, with no gas, in the rain with my three year old. Lilah didn’t mind however it was the perfect opportunity for her to try out her new umbrella, which surprisingly was in my car.

Luckily for me I ran out just around the corner from the church. I was on my way to grab the gas money from Matt, so I actually don’t think this was a bad as normal when I’m headed to Target or to work. As Lilah and I headed out in the rain to walk to the church I was pleasantly surprised by the 3 people who stopped to see if I needed help. I attribute this entirely to Lilah’s cuteness and not any pity on my own part. A nice lady even offered me an umbrella seeing as how it was a nasty day for a walk. She apparently couldn’t see my car and hazard lights.

I got the church without incident and went to pick up a gas can and get gas where we ran into Mr. Kenny Carter. He proceeded to give me the fatherly talk about the gas gage and when the light comes on it means I need to stop and get gas. So even though my dad wasn’t there to call me dough head I did feel as though I got the appropriate amount of Fatherly lecture.

Matt is so sweet to me, he only acted slightly annoyed by my general lack of concern. I however found this experience interesting, that 3 people would stop and offer help in the five minutes it took me to walk to the Church. There are still nice people everywhere. I wondered to myself would I be the kind to stop and ask someone if they needed help. I feel like the world we live in causes us to first think of ourselves. Is it safe? Is this person trying to trick me and steal my stuff or my kids? I have seen the scenario on Criminal Minds AND CSI. Does fear keep us from being generous with ourselves?

Luke 6:30-32 (NKJV)

30 “Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

32 “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.”

Do I respond in love when I see people in need? I am afraid that often times I respond with suspicion. I am setting an example of fear and suspicion for people watching me instead of setting the example of generosity and love like Jesus would have me do. Obviously not to the point where I or my kids are in danger (I am not going to pick up a hitchhiker, don’t call me about it Mom) I am however going to be on the look out for people in need, people who need something I have to offer. I know I can’t give someone $1000 or a new house, but I can buy them a meal or help them get gas.

Do what you can. All of us can do something for someone. I encourage you to be aware of the opportunities that present themselves today, look for someone to help, to show love, to be generous with. You never know when you may be the one in need.

Have a great Tuesday!