First I want to start off by saying that we're not the most religious family out there. Should we do a better job, certainly. But, we do try. I guess you could say that we're a work in progress. With that, I will try to tell about the adventure we had the best that I can:
The Girls and I decided to go to the farm with Hubby for a bit yesterday. It was rainy, cold and not even a good day for ducks. First though, we needed to run an errand. As we headed down the road, we noticed a Gentleman walking in this weather. I pointed him out to Hubby, but we were headed in the wrong direction. Did our errand and then headed to the farm. Before we could get to far though, we saw the same Guy, still walking in the rain. No umbrella. No waterproof gear. Just him and a backpack he was carrying. We decided to ask him would he like a ride. We figured if nothing else, it would get him out of the rain for a few minutes and get him a little further up the road (and quite honestly, we thought he might only be going to WalMart or something close by).
We stopped and I rolled down my window and asked. He seemed so appreciative and accepted. Honestly I wouldn't say "gladly". He did pause for a moment. I am sure he probably has seen his share of loonies too. He got in the truck and we started on our way. Hubby asked where he was headed. He told us something like New York or a different state then what we're in! He started telling us his story.
He's Dutch Amish. And a mail carrier. They don't accept anything from the Government. They are their own nation. He's been doing this (delivering mail) for 41 years! All by foot!! How crazy is that. And he's 72 years old. I swear, you would never know how old he is by looking! He looked younger than Hubby and I both. His route takes him 16 MONTHS to walk.There are 7 of them (Dutch Amish mail carriers) left that do this. As we talked more, he told us that he was soaked to the bone. Well, we could only imagine. And hadn't eaten for a couple of days. They're not allowed to ask for help, but can accept if it's offered. So although we only had about $80.00 to our name, we took him to the next big town and got him a Motel 6 room for the night.
And since he hadn't eaten in days, we went to Bob Evans and got him a quart of beef vegetable soup, some hot rolls and crackers. We also stopped at the Family Dollar store and bought him a poncho so he would have it if the rain continues while he's on his journey. Hubby also gave him $10.00 so that he could wash the few clothes that he had and have a couple of dollars. Now, we are totally broke, but you know what? That's okay. Our saying that is completely true is: God always provides for us! And he does. Everyday we are blessed whether we realize it or not. Heck, waking up every morning is a blessing in itself.
And the Bible tells us that we need to help one another. What if our new Friend was Jesus himself? Or if this Guy is simply pulling one over on us (which we both highly doubt)? You know what? Either way we know in our hearts that we did the right thing. We helped another human being in their time of need. And this morning we're going to go pick him back up to take him a little more up the road. And we will say a prayer with him as we send him along. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment