Then Life Happened - Chapter Introduction:

Despite the best plans or the most well intentioned efforts, the unexpected will occur, issues will find us, we will be let down, the proverbial milk will be spilt, and sometimes even, we will be pleasantly surprised. Life will be what we make of it. As a result, to get the most from these events, to produce optimal opportunities, happiness, and fulfillment, it is crucial we foster and maintain an open, positive mindset every day, especially those we intended to proceed one way, and then life happened.

 

 

Maxims/Quotes Excerpt:

If you've never laid brick, can you ever fully appreciate the wall?

 

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Where I Needed To Be

After a long week at work and yet another broken promise to myself of an early departure, I had finally managed to pack up for what I expected to be a well-deserved, recuperative weekend. I made the familiar walk through the virtually vacated parking lot with my intended destination in site. Noting a cooler tilt in the evening air, I settled into my somewhat worn but comfortable seat and started up the ignition intent on the short detour that would result in a relaxing evening at home with movies and seafood. I buckled myself in and shifted into first gear, content that in just a matter of minutes, my long and trying week would be completely behind me.

But what was this? The battery light was flashing. Okay, no problem. When you drive a vehicle that is sixteen years old, you get accustomed to the occasional indicator light going on and off from time to time. Just out of the parking lot however, I noticed my inside lights were getting dimmer, and the radio wasn’t picking up any stations. Alright, change in plans—forget dinner and head straight for the mechanic, about five minutes away.

Two hours later and things hadn’t worked out at all as planned. There I was, sitting on the side of the road in a dark and heatless automobile. I’m guessing I made for some interesting conversation for the considerable tally of carloads taking turns rubbernecking in my direction as they waited for green. Nope, this was in no way what I had planned for my Friday evening.

And as I sat there, a little cold, tired, and needing to use the facilities, it dawned on me just how blessed I was. The car could have simply stalled on the busy highway I had just exited, and I could have been in an accident. Fortunately it didn’t and I wasn’t. I could have not had a cell phone, the means to arrange for a tow truck, or the funds to pay for the repair (assuming of course that I would eventually make it to the mechanic). The police officer did not have to stop and make sure I was okay and light safety flares, but he did. And, most important, the young man that happened to be walking pass didn’t have to take time out to walk across the street to verify I was okay and help me push the car over to the side of the road, but he did. As he put it, he had seen too many bad things happen in his lifetime and wanted to make sure nothing happened to me. And, with a simple handshake and a, “You’re welcome,” he was off.

As I contemplated his unselfish deed, I wondered, would I have done the same? How often do I stop to help people in need? The truth was, not very often. What I really wished was for the ability to better demonstrate my gratitude for the concern and assistance he provided me. The more I thought about his deed, the less I thought about my predicament—and the more I wished I could somehow repay him.
My thoughts were interrupted by a somewhat disheveled man that approached the car. He wanted to know if I had a cell phone he could use to make a quick call. His story: he had been waiting to catch a bus, but a couple had just passed him by. It was likely that by the time he caught the next one, he would be too late to catch his connecting bus. Seemingly, this was merely the latest issue in what was apparently a terrible day. He had only bus fare and an un-cashed payroll check, which he offered as collateral while he utilized the phone.

Still not totally convinced of the situation, and concerned about conserving the weakening cell phone battery, I asked for the telephone number and made the call. Once answered, I asked the woman to hold and handed him the phone. Though I could only hear one side, the context of the conversation was obvious. She was upset because he was supposed to be home. He told her that it wasn’t his fault, the buses had passed him by, and further, since he was unlikely to make his next connection, he would need to walk the rest of the way. He indicated he would do what he could, but she shouldn’t expect him until sometime after midnight.

Listening to him, it struck me: This was how I would repay the assistance I had been blessed with earlier. I had the power to make a positive impact in his life, much as the young man had done in mine.
He closed his conversation with the fact that he was using the cell phone of a guy broken down on the road. He added that he was stranded, I was broken down, and we were both having bad days. He hung up and thanked me. I told him that his day had just gotten a little better and handed him money to take a taxi. He thanked me and went on his way.

Sitting back down in my car, I began to wonder whether I wasn’t broken down on the side of that road, at that particular time, on that particular evening, for a reason. Perhaps the real purpose of me being there had less to do with my car battery, and a little more to do with the difference I could make. And while I have no true comprehension of the extent of the impact for the gentleman who borrowed my phone, neither does the young man who assisted me with my car. Without his actions, and my subsequent frame of mind, I would have likely been too focused on my own problems and not my ability to help someone else.
Eventually, the truck did show up for the tow, which lasted a couple minutes. By the time she picked me up, my better half had managed to adjust her tight schedule and amazingly already purchased the crabs, prior to the store closing.

Although it commenced a little later than expected, it turned into a crab and movie night after all.
Interestingly enough, when I think back on it now, having the car breakdown minutes from my destination, being cold for a couple of hours, and the tow truck being late barely graze my recollection of that evening’s events. Instead, being helped by someone, helping someone, trusting that things would work out for the best, and being thankful for all the blessings bestowed are the thoughts that come to mind. And those are the thoughts that really matter.

Things didn’t work out that night as I had planned. (I’ve heard it said: “If you ever want to make God smile, tell him your plans.”) Because I was receptive to the opportunity that came my way, I learned a lesson and, I believe, served the true purpose for which I was intended that night. Further, because you are reading this passage, the purpose continues to be fulfilled.

It is said that it takes many steps to produce a beautiful flower. Sometimes, different hands plant the seed, water, nourish, and protect. And sometimes, some of the individuals involved in the process will never see the flower mature and bloom. However it is no less essential that their contributions are made. Perhaps what really matters in life is not how many flowers come from our efforts but how many seeds we plant. And since good has a way of instigating more good, it likely the rest will take care of itself.

That’s what I learned the night my battery died.

 

Motivate A Friend Or Loved One

If

If every day I can
            Challenge an area of weakness
            And enlighten a troubled mind

If every day I can
            Shed the weight of a petty quarrel
            And assist an individual in need

If every day I can
            Love myself as well as my brother
            And foster hope in the eyes of youth

Every day I can
            Attain a little more of my destiny

            Every day move a little closer to God

 

The Perfect Gift For Yourself Or Someone Else You Care About

 

 

>> Next Chapter	Born To Lead	Then Life Happened
Perspective, It's Here Somewhere	The Personal Touch	A Little Gratitude
Playing With Passion	Eventually, Death Visits Us All	And Faith Ensues