Parked at the library a couple weeks ago, with the motor turned off, I was waiting for the one of those quick drop offs of my daughter so that my wife could head elsewhere. I got there a bit early, and then received a text saying they would be delayed (they were getting haircuts). So I just sat and read on my iPad, listening to Pandora on the car radio. Oh, and did I mention the motor was turned off?

It was a decent book I was reading. The music was great – I believe it was a traditional Christmas station. Oh, and did I mention that the motor was turned off? For a bout a half hour. Maybe a long half hour.

There was a point where I thought to myself, “The motor is turned off and I’ve been listening to the music. Wonder how the battery is doing?” Turning the key, I heard the telltale clicking of a drained battery.

Not to worry, I said. Just turn off the radio and sit for a minute. A minute later I turned the key and there was that frustrating clicking again! So, here I am, going through those emotions you go through when you think/know you might be in a bind. I was telling myself what I thought of myself for letting this happen by doing something so stupid. You know the talk…

A couple minutes into my self-abuse a little SUV pulls up beside me with a young man. I bit the bullet of my pride and opened my door and looked at him. He opened his door and I asked if he would be willing to give my car a jump. He was, but he didn’t have jumper cables. That’s ok, I did.

We hooked them up and my car wouldn’t start. I was frustrated, but he was calm. He said, “It’s just not getting a good ground.” He knew what was up! He played with it a short minute and then I turned the key and had ignition! Yippee!

I was effusive in my thanks, and then I asked myself what I could do to say thanks. I asked him if he liked to read. He said he liked it very much. So I went to my trunk and got out one of my books and signed it for him.

What a blessing Kyle was to me. In the busyness of his day, he took the time to help me.

In this busy season, remember it’s the small moments that often make a difference to us and to those around us.

Look for those moments and do not forsake them.