I substitute taught for one week at my daughter’s school in Thailand. My husband was out of town and I was enjoying the challenge of handling everything on my own. 

But one morning I heard a familiar, dreaded flapping noise—a flat tire. I was several kilometers away from school. Great. I pulled over and called the school offices. They were swamped, but could cover things until I arrived. But now we would be late and were stranded. Then…my phone died. I didn’t have materials for a tire change. Double Great. 

Now everything felt like too much. I needed help. I took a deep breath, reminding my daughter and myself we were on a familiar route to school. Other parents would be driving by and we could ask for help. 

Someone drove by, recognized us, waved happily, and continued on their way. Did they not notice the flat? Decide there wasn’t time to help? More cars passed. My daughter and I waved and gestured toward the tire. No one stopped. More familiar faces waved and smiled. I was starting to feel angry and desperate. 

After a few minutes, I started thinking that, except for the beaten-up part, I was trapped in a modern-day good Samaritan story. Or in a bad cliche. Bitterness had me imagining people were driving by and offering prayer instead of help.

Suddenly I heard, “You two okay?” It was my husband’s friend, the athletic trainer at school. He pulled over. 

“Thanks for stopping. I had a flat. My phone died.” 

He had to get his own kids to school and himself to work, but prioritized helping us.   

His daughter helped mine into their vehicle and they took her to school. He returned to change the tire in sweltering weather. When he was assured that I could make it to school, he left for work—late, sweating, and in stained clothes. But his attitude and tone of voice never communicated inconvenience, just genuine willingness to help.  

It was real sacrifice that brought God’s care to life in an ordinary, but difficult moment. It was “…living and loving like Jesus and teaching others to do the same wherever life happens” (crossworld.org). 

May I see God in my daily circumstances, in the faces of my neighbors, and be willing to help—even when it’s costly.