My brother and I were driving home together and became engrossed in a conversation. Because of this distraction, my brother took a wrong turn.
Unfortunately, the wrong turn took us towards a bridge and we had no way to turn back. Grudgingly, my brother paid the bridge toll and drove on. He was clearly frustrated by the mistake and the needless waste of $4.
We eventually reached an exit slip-way and, as we took it, my brother noticed a beat-up black Mustang pulled over to the side of the road. A young guy was standing nearby trying to phone someone. I was busy trying to figure out which way we went next but my brother pulled over and asked the guy if he needed any help. And he did. He had a flat tire and needed a wrench to get it off.
My brother gave him a wrench, then proceed to help him change the flat. We started getting to know the young man who was from a rough neighborhood nearby. He said that this has been a bad week for him; earlier he had gotten into a minor car accident, and now this flat on his way home from work. But he called us, "A breath of fresh air," and kept thanking us because he really would have been stuck if we hadn't come along. After we had finished the job he thanked us again and pulled out $20 and tried to give it to us. "No," I said. "We were never supposed to even get on that bridge, we took a wrong turn. But now we know why we did. It was to help you. Thank you for turning our mistake into an opportunity to serve."
What I loved most was watching my brother throughout this process. He was able to turn his agitation for the mistake into positive energy. He was able to see a chance to help (which I totally missed!) even in an otherwise negative situation, which can only come from a calm mind and an open heart.
Originally posted on 8.30.2018
Unfortunately, the wrong turn took us towards a bridge and we had no way to turn back. Grudgingly, my brother paid the bridge toll and drove on. He was clearly frustrated by the mistake and the needless waste of $4.
We eventually reached an exit slip-way and, as we took it, my brother noticed a beat-up black Mustang pulled over to the side of the road. A young guy was standing nearby trying to phone someone. I was busy trying to figure out which way we went next but my brother pulled over and asked the guy if he needed any help. And he did. He had a flat tire and needed a wrench to get it off.
My brother gave him a wrench, then proceed to help him change the flat. We started getting to know the young man who was from a rough neighborhood nearby. He said that this has been a bad week for him; earlier he had gotten into a minor car accident, and now this flat on his way home from work. But he called us, "A breath of fresh air," and kept thanking us because he really would have been stuck if we hadn't come along. After we had finished the job he thanked us again and pulled out $20 and tried to give it to us. "No," I said. "We were never supposed to even get on that bridge, we took a wrong turn. But now we know why we did. It was to help you. Thank you for turning our mistake into an opportunity to serve." What I loved most was watching my brother throughout this process. He was able to turn his agitation for the mistake into positive energy. He was able to see a chance to help (which I totally missed!) even in an otherwise negative situation, which can only come from a calm mind and an open heart.
Originally posted on 8.30.2018
17.1K Reads
- Posted by donothing
- Jan 12, 2022
- Comments (40)
Readers Comments
unknown wrote: Wow, I am so happy to see how a moment of agitation could transform itself to a complete blessing for all of you ... Isn't that wonderful ! (-: :-) Deeper.
LeeFae wrote: That's a great story! i think often in life what we see as "inconveniences" are really opportunities in disguise. i love hearing about the time people actually recognise the opportunity and seize it to do something good. Say thanks to your brother for me. :)
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: That is great! I truly believe everything happens for a reason, even if we don't always know what that is. You found your reason for making the "right" turn! :)
Sajha wrote: This story fills my heart with joy! I truly believe in staying open minded about going out the door and what I may end up doing. Life becomes a delicious mystery when I remember to approach it in that way! Blessings on you, your brother, and the young man you helped.
Aurelia wrote: Your brother has a kind heart! Most would ride past the broken down vehicle and not get involved. I'm sure he touched that young man's heart and it will be paid forward more than you can imagine! :) Thanks for Sharing this wonderful story :0) ~Aurelia
1golddragonfly wrote: As they say, there are no accidents………..You were at the right place at the right time, rolling with the flow and didn’t even know it! Thank you for sharing your story with us!
situma wrote: Turning back it was not a mistake,but it was gods plan to help that boy who had a flat tire.
Luisa83 wrote: It's amazing how u can turn a negative experience into a positive one. That's beautiful!
moral12 wrote: Yes, you were meant to take that wrong turn to help that young man. Isn't fate funny that way, sometimes? You made his day, that's for sure, with your act of kindness that he did not expect. Even better was your explanation to the guy of how you turned it into an opportunity "to serve". Kudos to you!
stars24 wrote: What a story! You give me the energy to keep on doing acts of kindness to strangers. Peace and blessings!
