In the March 2009 Reader's Digest there is an article by Carl M. Cannon. He said, "From our earliest day, we've been known as a nation of helpers." (p. 76) He then gave examples of the kindness of strangers. He pointed out that often the only way to pay for help received was to do what you could when you saw others in need. He ended the article with "It's what Americans do."I was the recipient of that kindness last night. I went to Auto Zone to find out why there was no low beam in my car's headlights. The man helping me was very knowledgeable but he didn't stop at pointing out the right replacement bulbs. He put on his coat and for the next fifteen minutes, in the cold, he figured out how to work the spring clips in my Hyundai, removed the old bulbs, and replaced them with new ones. When I went to pay for the bulbs, I found there was no fee for his service. Chivalry is not dead.
President Monson observed this about the Good Samaritan story, "Jesus provided our watchword: 'Go, and do thou likewise.' (Luke 10:29-37) When we obey that declaration, there opens to our view a vista of joy seldom equaled and never surpassed."
You might say, "It's what Christians do." (See also Alma 41:14)
I know so little about keeping my car running. I am so grateful for the help I've received. It is now my turn to watch for chances to payback the kindness.
(The views written in this post are the views of the author and do not necessarily represent The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.)
