This past Saturday, I had an experience that reminded me how amazing the grace of God is!
I was returning from Seguin after attending the funeral service for Dr. August Wenzel. Halfway between Seguin and San Marcos on Highway 123 my car began to shake and I smelled rubber burning! I steered off onto the grass and engaged my emergency flashers. I thought immediately to check my front tires and discovered that the right tire had completely disintegrated! Here I was, in my suit and tie. It was hot and humid. I needed to get back to our church where I was scheduled to give the invocation at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Jay Urban. I had never changed a tire on this vehicle. Besides, the car was on an angle in the grass bar ditch. I am a member of AAA, but I knew it would probably be an hour before they would arrive. But, just as I had reached AAA Road Assistance, a young man walked up to my window. I put the AAA person on hold, and talked to this gentleman. He introduced himself. He said that he saw the tread come off my tire and wondered if he could help. He said, “I do things like this”. I thanked the AAA man, and said that someone had stopped to help.
As things proceeded, Josh began to jack up my car. As we talked, I commented how hot and humid it was, as I was sweating just standing there! He said, “It’s not bad compared to the 130 degrees it would be in a month!” Yes, he was going to be deployed for a second tour of duty to Iraq with the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Ft. Hood. He asked me what I did. When I told him that I was a Christian minister he asked, What denomination?” He then said, “My father is a Baptist Pastor!” I told him the name of our church and said, “It’s all about love isn’t it—not just for Lutherans, but Baptists, too!” He then said, “That’s why I’m doing this. It’s just another opportunity to thank God for all that He has done for me! We love because God first loved us!”
After he was through, I tried to give him some money to show my appreciation. He would not take it. I insisted, but he said, “No, thank you.” Then he said, “But there is something you can do for me.” I asked, “What’s that?” Josh said, “Please, pray for me!”
I am, Josh. I am thanking God for you. As St. Paul wrote to the Philippians (1:3-4) “I thank my God every time I remember you ...praying with joy ...for you”!
I went on my way back to Austin to attend the Eagle Scout ceremony, remembering the Boy Scout Slogan: “Do a good turn daily”!
—Pastor David Fetter
† † †
No comments:
Post a Comment