An Easter Devotion by Clair Ball
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2
Several summers ago I was driving from Framingham to upstate New York. I was on route 90 just outside Albany and noticed that my “Low Air Pressure” light on my dashboard was on letting me know my tire pressure was low.
I continued on to my regular stop – gas station/convenience store/Dunkin Donuts for gas and a restroom break. It would be easy enough to put air in my tire(s) so that I could drive the final 70 miles to my destination.
When I got out to look at my tire it was not low–it was FLAT! I asked a young man inside to help me put air in my tire. Without hesitation he filled my tire and we both heard an immediate hiss. The air escaped and the tire went flat pretty quickly.
“Let’s go inside and talk to Big John”, he said. Right then I knew Big John was the guy everyone turned to for help. Big John looked like a regular and was sitting at what looked like “his” table inside Dunkin’ Donuts. The young man explained my situation to Big John. Within minutes, Big John, the young man and the attendant behind the register collectively decided that I needed to somehow get down the road “about a mile” to a mechanic who could at least put my spare tire on and who might also have a replacement for my well worn tire. The attendant called ahead to the mechanic to let him know I was coming….
Very quickly The Plan was formed – I was to follow Big John since he knew the way.
Big John hopped in his red truck. I got in my car. The young man filled my tire and off I went following Big John down the road. We made it to the mechanic and Big John drove on his way. The mechanic was happy to help me.
I’m still in awe and have almost lost track of how many people jumped in to help me that day. You never know the helpers you’ll meet along your path!
My favorite part of this story is that about a year later when I made my regular stop at that gas station I saw Big John at “his” table and was able to thank him!! I’m not sure if he remembered me….I definitely remembered him! Thanks Big John!
Thank you God, for Big John, for angels we meet on our journeys. Amen.