Tender Mercies

Renae called me at 11am to ask if I was bringing my kids over. We had talked about her watching them for a couple hours while I went to a scrapbook store in order to pick up some things for this weekend (a girls' scrapbooking weekend in CA). I wasn't really sure I wanted to go because let's face it, I already own a mini store, and who needs another errand to run? But what scrapbooker couldn't use a few more stickers or paper? Besides it was a few hours to myself so I hopped in the car and dropped the boys off at her house.


At this time I think it is fair to point out that when I got into my van I noticed the rear tire on the drivers side was low - very low, and I knew my husband had an air compressor right there in the garage. But since I was running late getting to Renae's and I knew I had to get gas soon, I figured I would just air it up at the gas station. So I'm off. I'm headed for a store on Lindsay and University - a good half hour drive through town. I totally keep my mirror focused on the tire and check it constantly. Just as I pass through the light at Guadalupe my van starts driving funny. I immediately check the tire to see if it has lost all air. No, it's still limping along. Then what the...? Oh no...oh crap...I'm such a dork...I'm out of gas. Huh... Hmmm... Didn't see that one coming. So okay I've pulled off to the side of the busy street now.

What to do? What to do?

Darren works at Honeywell up by the airport. That's a no go. I could call Renae - but then she would have to pile all of our kids into her van and come up here. That is at least a half hour wait. Jackie lives nearby - like Greenfield and something close - wait, I don't have her number in my cell. Okay, I'll call Darren and get Tyler and Jackie's number and then call her. Ring ring... "Hello, you've reached the desk of Darren Stewart. I'm not able to answer my phone right now, but leave a message and I'll get back to you." He's in training - I forgot. I leave him a message telling him I need Jackie's number, nothing else though because really what could he do for me?

I guess that leaves me. Well I was telling Parker how beautiful the weather was today with it all cloudy and threatening rain. Time to get out in it and book it to the next gas station - where ever that may be. It turned out to only be about a half mile up the road. The first station wasn't selling gas - the pumps were being worked on. So I crossed the street to the next one, went in and bought a gas can, and headed out to fill it. Only it wouldn't let me select a grade. I canceled the transaction and tried again. Same thing. I pushed the help button - no answer.

At this point a man in a big white truck pulled up to the other side of the pump. "Did you run out of gas back on Lindsay?" "Yes, that's me." "I saw you walking and then saw the van with blinking lights and put two and two together. Do you need a ride back to your car?" "That would be great." He came around and checked the machine. "This one is locked up. Let's try the other side." He put his card into the machine. I tried to stop him saying I could pay for it myself, that there wasn't anything wrong with my card. "Oh that's the beauty of having my own business - company gas card." I must say I was gracious about it, but inside I was dying with embarrassment because I think he thought I couldn't afford the gas. "Please See Cashier" The pump won't work for him either so he heads inside. While he is in there I run my card again but the transaction is cancelled. He buys a water and comes out. Turns out the computers on their pumps aren't working and he had prepaid $5 worth of gas. Again I am gracious but mortified. So I fill the tank. I know he wants to do this for me but I am an able bodied female and not a damsel in distress. At least not total distress. He gave me the water and we hopped in his truck and headed back to my van.

"You got up there fast." "What was that?" "You walked up to the gas station fast. I saw you walking and by the time I had turned around you were already up there." "Yeah, it is definately one of those times I am grateful I didn't bring my kids while running errands." He flips a u-ey and parks behind me. "I'll put the gas in for you. Now hop in your car and turn the key. Okay it should start now. Do you want me to follow you to the gas station?" I told him that I'd make it just fine and then watched as he put the gas can (that I'd just paid for) into the back of his truck. Now this next part felt like it happened in slow motion and warp speed at the same time. "Let me buy the gas can from you." He slipped some money into my hand. My brain was actually trying to send a message to my mouth to say "You keep it for paying for my gas and we'll be even." But what I mumbled was, "No, you don't need to do that. It's just fine. Here take your money." At that point he was in his truck waving goodbye. I look down at the money he put into my hand and it's a $20. He gave me $20 for the $5.12 gas can plus paid for the gas. Yes, I'm mortified, but how nice! What a nice thing to do for someone.

As I drove up to the gas station tears started rolling down my cheeks. I couldn't help it. I can't remember the last time I was on the recieving end of such kindness from a total stranger. This afternoon was such a reminder to me of how much the Lord loves me, how he is watching out for me. When I first started walking to the station I heard the thunder and just prayed that I'd make it to a station before the rain came. When I walked out after buying the gas can the thought popped into my head that if someone offered me a ride back while I was walking, I ought to take it.

It was only 12:14pm. Plenty of time left to finish my task and get back to Renae's by 2 o'clock.
When I got home from picking up the boys I told Parker this story. I asked him if he thought Heavenly Father sends us angels to help us when we need it. "Well, I fink Hevanwy Fawder sent that man." Yep, me too babe, me too.


PS. I'm a dork and forgot to air up the tire at the gas station but made it home just fine.