copyright 2000
Riding a bus in Seattle on June 16,2000, my family and I were almost to our destination, when the bus stopped along the road. The bus driver left his seat and descended the stairs to the sidewalk. I looked out the window and saw him and a passenger helping a man in a wheelchair.
"What is going on?" I asked my husband.
"The man's wheelchair is stuck in the soft soil beside the sidewalk. The bus driver is helping him get out."
I kept watching, expecting the man to board the bus. But he rode off in his wheelchair and the bus driver returned to his seat and continued along his bus route. I was amazed! He had seen a man in need and stopped. How many cars had passed without stopping? How long would the man have struggled with the wheel of his wheelchair if the bus driver had not stopped?
I got off the bus and mumbled laimly, "That sure was nice of you to stop for that man in the wheelchair."
He shrugged and said humbly, "It would have taken him forever to get out of that dirt."
The bus driver didn't even realize he had shown unusual kindness. I've been thinking of this all evening. Sometimes I am so wrapped up in my own problems I don't even see other people's problems. But when I do see their needs and help them, I feel bettter. It draws my attention away from my problems, even if its for only a few minutes. Maybe seeing the needs of others and helping others is good therapy. By helping others we help ourselves.
I challenge you this week: Remember the driver of Seattle's Bus 358. Look for others in need and do something kind for someone.
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