HIS BEST FRIEND
I’ve run the scene through my head over and over since way back when. It’s been a long time now, but every so often it plays in my head like a bad commercial on TV that you don’t want to see… and yet there it is again, and you know every detail… in detail…
I think maybe those kinds of experiences God won’t allow us to erase from our memories – wisdom gained the hard way seems to be the tool that changes our actions if we encounter another chance… and there’s always another chance…
I was in an airport bathroom, it was fairly crowded and as usual… I was in a hurry. I was drying my hands when I caught him out of the corner of my eye, “Sunglasses inside… Oh yeah, he’s cool…” I thought to my naturally sarcastic self. I glanced directly at him to get a better look at Mr. Cool Guy, maybe even toss him a disgusted look for good measure.
Instantly things didn’t add up. He was distinguished looking, well groomed and kept. It all happened so fast, my mind was piecing the whole scenario together while passing judgment… Yeah, I’m talented like that… The fifty some year old, shades sporting slickster, was pulling paper towels from the dispenser as fast as he could.
As he reached for the faucet I spotted the German shepherd on the other side of the sink. His best friend. I leaned back to get a better view of the dog. Two plus two finally began to add up to a slow learner and I figured out that the dog was a special-smart, trained to care for his master and best friend. Something was amiss. The seeing eye dog looked like a kid who’d just been scolded and grounded, his ears back and an unmistakeable sadness in his eyes.
I was feeling bad for being the jump-to-conclusion-guy when I realized the new technology that would ordinarily have given me a chuckle, broke my heart. The man was feeling his way around the faucet for the hot and cold levers that weren’t there. I was getting ready to help when the blind man accidentally ran his hand full of paper towels in front of the sensor.
I glanced back to the man’s best friend to figure out the need for the towels and finish the puzzle. The dog had gotten sick and lost control of his bowels and the runny stool was all over the floor and the dog. The blind man was gentle and kind as I watched him work quickly cleaning his best friend as best he could without the advantage of eyesight.
I finished drying my hands and looked over at the man and his dog one last time. The seeing eye dog looked directly at me… He spoke louder than if he could have talked… I think he sensed my heart and yet I tossed the paper towel in the trash and walked out…
I can’t erase the image from my mind, but I think despite the regret and sadness for not helping out, those images will ensure the next time I happen upon a scenario that gives an opportunity to help out, I’ll be the hands for God. After all, they clean up fairly easily… especially with the gift of eyesight.
The heart? Well… sometimes it takes a bit more scrubbing.
Sunday, April 7, 2013 @ 4:10 pm
The love between the dog and the blind person is a sight to behold (no pun intended). There is a mutual love and respect that is seldom seen in seeing people. I wonder if the man would have allowed you (and the dog) to do the clean up for him. Least you recognized the missed opportunity for a different heart. I have to think if the opp arose again you would choose differently or thought differently.
Sunday, April 7, 2013 @ 5:12 pm
Exactly, Bill. Next time it happens I’ll be ready to get my hands dirty. We always seem to get second chances and we both know that those aren’t coincidences. Thanks, Bill.
Sunday, April 7, 2013 @ 7:03 pm
This is such a beautiful story of a blind mans love for his dog/friend. Accidents happen, even for animals. The man was kind and compassionate to care for his wonderful dog. It might have been a problem to help as the dog might not understand, and snap at the strange hand that wanted to help. . . even if the man would understand. You might see this again at Tell me a Story.
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 7:00 am
The dog seemed very smart and would have been willing to let someone give a helping hand, especially if his master told him it was okay. It was a missed opportunity and a lesson in being too quick to judge… but there’s always next time. Thanks, Hazel. Hope to see it over at Tell Me a Story!
Sunday, April 7, 2013 @ 11:23 pm
Dear Floyd
I feel your pain on this matter! I think something similar has happened to us all! I recall giving just bread to a mother who asked for food the other day for her child at my front door. I was ill and because she comes to ask so often, I didn’t take the time to make a decent sandwich. It broke my heart when the little one just took the dry bread and stuffed his mouth. At least I had the sense to give them cool drink and food for supper! My heart still cry for their plight and for my lack of true compassion on that day when they needed it so much! May our Pappa forgive me and change me even further into the likeness of our sweet Lord. Thanks for sharing your heart on this important matter. We all need to ask for a heart filled with our Pappa’s love.
Blessings to you and a wonderful grace filled week
Mia
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 7:03 am
Oh man. I feel you on this, Mia. We act in instinct that isn’t always divine… But our Father always uses the lessons to teach us. It seems like He lets our hearts break so that He can make bigger for the next time we need that compassion. I know you seek to honor Him. Thanks for sharing that personal story, Mia. It makes this so much more real.
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 5:23 am
Great story, Floyd. So much in there, judgment, love, loyalty, friendship. I’m sure most of us would have reacted similarly to you. Often the blind don;t want help. So I may have walked away, too, by convincing myself of that. This little stories can all add up to a book in the future, Floyd. You have the skills and creativity.
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 7:05 am
Thanks, Dan. I also seem to have a hard head! We catch on slowly. I appreciate your honesty and contemplation. We are a lot alike, brother. Sorry and thanks!
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 11:15 am
All too often I have had the same response to someone plight. All we can do is pray we will respond different the next time. Thank God He gives us the “next times” to see if we really did learn the lesson. I am too quick to make a judgment and slow on giving out compassion. Often I will try to hide in under being careful…as if I could fool my Lord or others. Great story brother, one to remember and share.
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 8:16 pm
I’m with you, Betty. We justify our actions or lack thereof. We always do get another chance to see if the lesson stuck! If it doesn’t we can always count on another stick! Glad I’m not alone in the maturing process… even if I am way behind you… Thanks, Betty.
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 11:32 am
Tear jerking post.
I guess the nurse in my would have helped out in this case, but I can think of other cases where I looked the other way. Tough lessons.
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 8:18 pm
You nurses are a different breed. A good one to be sure. My wife and two daughters would have done as you would have. It just takes some of us longer to get over the flesh… We’re all in this together. This might be the one time you and I land on different sides of the isle… Figures I’m on the short side! Thanks, for sharing your heart, TC. Tough lessons are often the best instructors…
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 @ 10:14 am
Don’t get to thinking I’m “good”, Floyd, this is just one case where I would have acted as Christ, there are many others where I don’t…God help me.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 @ 12:52 pm
I know, TC, but it’s easy to find the shortcomings. I thought it might be good to acknowledge the positives too… and kind of elbow a tease a bit… I know that’s a fault you can relate too!
Wednesday, April 10, 2013 @ 10:57 am
You got me there!
Wednesday, April 10, 2013 @ 11:29 am
See… Now don’t you feel a little better being brought back down to earth with us fallen people?!!!
Wednesday, April 10, 2013 @ 11:53 am
Yeah, though I got a little disoriented by the rapid decent. I’m not used to such lofty heights…my cabin pressure is set on below sea level 🙂
Wednesday, April 10, 2013 @ 12:11 pm
Where do you keep all that wit? You must have a store room out back… I have to say, that was the best sarcastic retort I’ve heard or read in ages… My hat’s off to you… I bow humbly in defeat… How I love this game… We aren’t in Kansas anymore obviously… this here’s the big leagues!
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 12:01 pm
Man, I know that feeling. It’s awesome to know we repent and receive forgiveness, but we don’t want to forget the lesson either. Our judgments and our apathy have consequences, but Jesus purchased something better for us with His own blood. He didn’t turn the other way as we so often do. Great reminder here, Floyd. Thank you.
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 8:20 pm
Well said, Jason. Our Savior doesn’t turn which is our signal to do the same… It’s not as easy under the split second instinct decisions that reveal our inner heart. We all will get other chances, other opportunities to shine the Light in the fallen world. Thanks, Jason.
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 2:14 pm
That was a great post for me to read. It is a good reminder for us to remember not to Judge others so quickly. It goes back to walking a mile in someone else’s moccasins before we consider any judgment what-so-ever, and who really are we to judge others anyway. You can always ask the person less fortunate if they would like some assistance or your support before acting. Some people less fortunate still have pride in being independent and would prefer to do things on their own. I can feel your dilemma. My son Greg works with rehab patients everyday and I hear many stories from him on how he tries to help those less fortunate. We need to find time for a lunch or a weekend early breakfast soon.
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 8:23 pm
Well said, Lanny. I appreciate that you are one of those people that don’t judge… and after all these years are slow to anger. Amazing from where you and I came from, old friend. It’s a life full of opportunities. You made the most of being a good dad and now it shows in the hearts of your kids and grandkids… Yes. We need to hook up. I been thinking about you. Thanks for adding to the discussion. You got a big ole’ heart, Lanny.
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 2:51 pm
wow, that’s a tough lesson. it just reminds me of the many opportunities I have passed up. Hands and feet don’t always do the prettiest of work, but i tend to forget that as i reach for ease, comfort and convenience. great lesson here.
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 8:25 pm
Yeah, it’s all grand rhetoric until we are called to get our hands dirty… I don’t think I’ll fail next time. This memory ensures it. Thanks for relating, I guess we all can, huh, Ngina? We have a ways to go… but we’re getting there… one lesson at a time.
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 3:58 pm
Thanks for making me cry again, Floyd. 😉 I’m afraid I would have been even slower at picking up that scene than you were. And even when I did understand, I probably wouldn’t have helped either. Lord, for a purer heart to get my hands dirtier…
I appreciate you sharing this one. It will stick.
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 8:28 pm
We should all rejoice to get our hands and hearts dirty for the Savior who gave so much more… The tough lesson are the best teachers I think. Not comfortable, but effective. Thanks for the words of your heart, Lisa. Powerful and lifting.
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 7:38 pm
Its so easy for us to do and we all do it by quickly passing judgment, not offering help and just passing on the other side of the street instead of helping out. The greatest thing however is that you felt it, and you will do something about it. Much better than the person that does not feel the heart pull. Great post and really touching.
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 8:30 pm
Thanks, Lincoln. I suppose that is the bright side of the lesson. To see it and not pretend it didn’t happen would be the worst. I take it on the chin like you and have that lesson leave a mark in my heart for the next time. Well said, Lincoln. Thanks for adding that.
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 8:15 pm
I had a similar experience last week – the guilt for not helping kind. I was coming back from a pick up for my job and there was a man with a cane at a crosswalk, I think he might have had cerebral palsy. This is a big street crossing, the posted speed is 50 MPH, 3 lanes in either direction and it appeared he was having trouble figuring which crosswalk button to push for the direction he wanted to cross. I was at the stop line 2 lanes over and there was just no way for me to cross over the 2 lanes of traffic to get around the corner and see if there was someplace to pull in so I might help him. I felt so bad for the guy. When the light changed I found myself looking in the rear view mirror to see if he got across. The fact is it would have been dangerous for me to attempt to get pulled over but it doesn’t erase the guilt I felt. Today I had another pick up to make and I was on the same busy road, but this time I found my self looking way ahead to see if he was at that crosswalk – just in case.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 @ 6:49 am
Sometimes I think God is allowing a test just to see the condition of our hearts. Sounds like yours was in the right place even if your vehicle wasn’t. That is a great example of being on the look out for those in need. I like the heart and it’s desire, David. Good for you. We all need to be more like that. Thanks for sharing this. It’s a great reminder and a good way to start a day.
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 9:02 pm
Powerful post and especially the last statement! You have me speechless.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 @ 6:50 am
Thanks, Dan. I guess we, or I, first need to address the issues to be able to use my free will to begin to seek the heart of God in these type of matters. There will be another chance, there always is. Which is a good thing for us.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 @ 12:33 pm
So true, life is full of those kinds of opportunities.
Friday, April 26, 2013 @ 10:00 am
Now if we’d only begin to see them as opportunities…
Monday, April 8, 2013 @ 10:12 pm
SUch a truly gripping post, Floyd. A beautiful and poignant story, both from the perspective of the gentleness of this man and the helplessness of the animal who was meant to help him, and from your perspective, wishing you had the chance to help again. You have learned the first time, but sometimes I wonder how many times will it take for me to feel compassion and to act on it. And then I get so disgusted w/ myself and am afraid to ask God for His mercy *yet again.* I was just telling someone at another blog that the Lord graciously reminded me via Psalms 103 & 78 very recently, that He realizes I am but dust and that He does not hold my iniquities against me. He is so gracious! I’m glad you have learned, but even if you forget, just know that He won’t hold it against you.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 @ 6:53 am
Well said, Lynn. I couldn’t agree more. We always get another chance. Not to redeem ourselves, we’ve already been redeemed, but to serve in joy the ones He’s set before us. “It’s better to give than to receive,” is more than first meets the eye. We are given in order to give… we just need to be reminded once in a while. And these type of lessons seem to do the job quite well. Thank you, sister!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 @ 11:46 am
Oh my! A lesson learned the hard way, the heart way. Those always sting a little or a lot, depending on the depth the Lord chooses to go with it. I was with your words through the whole post: the glances, the judgement, the slow-learnerness and the frozenness that ended in the shoulda’s. Blessings to you. Writing is such a good way to process through and you are a really good one!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 @ 1:02 pm
“Heart way.” Well said. Those are the toughest ones, but always the most effective. We’ve all been there and carry that lesson in preparation for the next chance to shine the Light from above. Thanks for the wise and kind words, Rachael. Much appreciated.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 @ 4:28 pm
Yes, Floyd. Sometimes dealing with our reality kicks out tails … or the tails of others. And shows us how blessed and blessing others may be.
I truly need to focus on the Lord’s call to me. Sometimes do it, sometimes don’t. Heavy sigh.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013 @ 7:15 pm
I hear you, Joanne. Hang in there, you of all people are doing your fair share. I appreciate the heart though and appreciate it. Sigh indeed! Good to hear from you, sister.
Thursday, April 11, 2013 @ 4:56 pm
You know, it never even crossed my mind that that could happen to someone. I can’t imagine. And those times of regret sometimes teach us more than our faithful actions. Nice story Floyd, you had me right there looking at that sweet dog.
Thursday, April 11, 2013 @ 5:18 pm
Those are the scenarios in this life that catch you off guard, but I agree, Shelly, we learn, and next time I’ll be on guard. Thanks, Shelly.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 @ 8:51 am
I know I’ve had a few times where I declined to help someone who needed it. It was selfishness, busyness, laziness, whatever. But I still regret those times to this day. And just like you, I still have the vivid mental images.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 @ 12:27 pm
Yeah, those are tough images to bear, but I think they become part of us in order for us to carry out the will of our Father at another date and time… Nothing is coincidence… Thanks, Loren. It’s nice to have company…
Thursday, April 25, 2013 @ 11:36 pm
You’ve really captured the moment with this post, and there are a lot of emotions wrapped up in realizations such as this. A musician I work with is blind, and once when we didn’t watch closely enough, he walked right in to the under side of some stairs. There was no railing, no warning for his walking stick to catch. It nearly knocked him out. I complained to the owner of the building, and it still sits as an ache in my heart that we take so much for granted, and that one little mistake can really ruin someone else’s day.
Thank you for sharing on our linky party 🙂
Paula
Friday, April 26, 2013 @ 7:12 am
We do take so much more for granted than we realize I think. It’s part of our makeup in this fallen world I suppose. The ache is a reminder from God that He resides within and the compassion is from Him to share and protect the world around us with. Thanks for sharing, Paula.