One time when I arrived late for the inauguration of a friend as president of his chapter, I saw that the room was crowded. The only seats available were in the front row. I was OK with that. I can stand. However, I noticed a man in a wheelchair trying to peer over everyone's heads. I thought for a minute and decided to tell him that there was space for him up front. So being kind, I said to him, "You belong up front."
Just then, the audience erupted in applause, so I couldn't hear his response. Besides, he had some sort of speech impediment I guess, because I couldn't understand a word he said. I didn't want to embarrass the man and keep asking him, "What?" "What?" "What?"
Quickly, I grabbed the handles to his wheelchair and proceeded to push him up the aisle. Immediately, his arms started to flail and his grunting words became louder, but I wasn't deterred. I continued, until, another person stopped me. Puzzled, I looked up.
"He's the Sergeant-at-arms."
"Oh."
To say that I was embarrassed is an understatement. And if I was embarrassed, think of the poor gentleman in the wheelchair. I somehow managed to mumble an apology to him and crawl inconspicuously into a crack in the floor.
Going over this embarrassing incident in my mind, I came to the conclusion that I couldn't very well say that I would never help anyone, again. That's ridiculous. I just have to think, before I do anything.
But I did think. I thought and determined that the man needed help.
So now what?
Mmmmm. Maybe I should pray before I think?
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