What Goes Around

I am a firm believer in karma. It's been proven over and over to me that the world gives back what it receives. Negativity breeds negativity; positivity breeds positivity. All a person has to do to be endlessly blessed is 1. bless other lives and 2. give true thanks to God for each blessing. I am always surprised by how very literal the world can be when returning karma.

About a month ago, during one of the really bad snowstorms, Eric and I were outside shoveling after the kids were in bed. We watched a car creep by our house - going uphill - and weren't surprised when it just stopped and sat there with its tires spinning. I had to talk Eric into trudging up the hill to help. We struggled up the sidewalk, carrying our shovels, hoping to be able to help. That man ended up getting out by himself - by actually sliding down the hill on purpose - but I think we got some cosmic points for trying.

A few weeks ago I saw a truck slide down the hill and get stuck right in front of my driveway. Again, the tires were spinning but nothing was happening. I threw on my coat and went outside. I offered to help but the woman said she'd already called a tow truck. I asked her several times to come in and wait in my house but she declined. After the tow truck arrived and started to hook up her truck she (very kindly) came to our door to thank me.

When I left this afternoon to pick Sam up from school I backed down the driveway and got myself stuck in a huge snow pile. It was so stupid - I still can't believe it happened. I tried going forward and backward. I got out a shovel and tried digging out. I called Aldrich and told them I was stuck and didn't know how late I'd be getting Sam. I imagined him sitting in the office, all of his friends gone, wondering where I was.

As I got off the phone a car flew down the hill in front of me. I didn't pay any attention until I saw it go into reverse and shoot back up toward me. A cheerful man called, "Are you stuck?"

"This is so stupid!" I called back.

The random man - who I'd never seen before - hopped out of his car and put on his gloves. He took the shovel from me and started hacking away at the entire snow pile. "You won't be able to go forward," he explained. "I'll clear this out so you can try to roll back." I stood there stupidly as he moved an entire four-foot-high pile of snow. Finally he stopped and I was able to get out. He cheerfully waved goodbye and left. I made it to Aldrich with time to spare.

I honestly would have never gotten out by myself. I would have needed Eric to come help me while poor little Sam waited. Instead the happiest Good Samaritan I've ever met showed up and saved the day. I am so grateful.

1. Bless the lives of others.
2. Give thanks for every blessing.