A Warm Moment

Last night, I spent about two and a half hours attempting to get home from my office, which is approximately 13 miles from my apartment.  After picking our way carefully and cautiously over icy, gravelly, and very pockmarked roads, we hapless travelers along I-15 southbound were imprisoned in a snowy stalemate against a jackknifed semi about a mile from my exit.  For almost two hours a wind of sparkling ice crystals gusted across the freeway from the dark, lone fields to our right, while emergency vehicle lights taunted us just ahead with the empty promise of help and a maddening progression of cars passed us on our left.  I tucked a blanket up under my chin, turned off my car and headlights, and proceeded to while away the chilly wait with my favorite book, L.M. Montgomery's Emily Climbs.  By the time I got home I was cranky with traffic, the weather, my office for not excusing us before the worst of the storm hit, and pretty much anyone within my field of vision.

So tonight, as I ventured back out into the wretched, blasted waste that is paved Utah, my thoughts were wary rather than solicitous.  I eyed other drivers with suspicion, preemptively accusing them of the next impending traffic snarl.  I admit that when the first of three cars in front of me paused to turn right toward the freeway entrance, I glowered impatiently.  The way was clear - why was the car still sitting there?Within seconds, the two men in the truck behind discerned the situation.  Doors flew open, the driver and passenger hopped out, and without hesitation they began pushing the car gently up the hill.  I could see the tires spinning - and the men's feet slipping - but suddenly the car gained momentum and began climbing the incline.  I smiled, feeling a warmth creep into my heart where frostiness had held sway.  My own tires had spun out on that deceptively steep hill just the night before - why had my hand been inching toward the horn while theirs were reaching out in friendly concern?  I petitioned my Father in Heaven for a heart of flesh where the stony one now beats, reminding myself that He can change that grumpy organ to one of gentleness and compassion when my nature leans more toward honking than helping.  I thanked Him for the kind gesture I got to witness on a dark and slippery side road that reminded me to ever weary Him with requests for a warmer heart.  Despite the chill permeating my car, I felt toasty as together we all eased safely onto the freeway for a much more expeditious commute home.