Jesus said:
“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:35

About a month ago, I was having a rushed morning. I woke up early, made lunches, coffee, dished out breakfast, and drove my eldest off at her school. Everything was running right on schedule to meet my cousin and mom halfway from Kentucky.

With little time to spare, I stopped at our local gas station to add oil to our aging, well-loved van. I flew inside as my youngest held on like a koala on my hip, and was greeted by two older gentlemen at the door. I waved, thinking I had no time even to say hello, and purchased the oil for my van in a flash. Walking just as quickly toward the exit as I had entered, the nicely dressed men stopped me. “Excuse me, miss? Can we please help you with that?”  I was in a rush and had added oil myself many times before, but I decided to accept their offer. The two friends made quick work of checking my oil level and adding the quart of oil.  Expecting to leave, I was surprised to hear him say, “Miss, I’ll be right back. You need more oil.” Before I could even react or unbuckle my daughter, he disappeared into the store and came back with another quart. He repeated the same phrase again.  He refused my pleas to purchase the oil myself. His friend shook his head with a smile, silently affirming I should allow them this opportunity to help.

When the van was finally filled with enough oil, I handed the kind man a restaurant gift card. “Please take this,” I said. “You have really encouraged me today. I had no idea my van was so low on oil.” He again refused my offer, and his eyes filled with tears. “Let me share this with you. I have two daughters, and if someone would show them kindness in this way, it would mean the world to me. Consider this a gift from God,” he said with tears now freely flowing. I was surprised to find myself crying along with him. After the pair left, I sat in my van for a while trying to compose myself, so touched by their generosity and sacrifice of time and money. That moment made a difference in my life. I still don’t know who those strangers were, yet they impacted me greatly.

For instant inspiration to be a real hero in this world, watch the movie “Legends of the Knight” by Brett Culp.  Your whole family will enjoy it!   www.wearebatman.com

Kindness is powerful. Join me in seeking opportunities to show someone God’s love. It just might change their lives.