It was 3:30 in the morning when a knock on the door startled a man and his wife from their peaceful slumber. Reluctantly, he glanced at the clock and thought, “I’m not getting out of bed at this time.” Ignoring the persistent knocking, he tried to roll over and go back to sleep. But then, a louder knock roused his wife’s curiosity, and she urged him to answer the door.

Reluctantly, he dragged himself out of bed and made his way downstairs, grumbling about the late-night disturbance. As he opened the door, he was met with the sight of a stranger standing on their porch. It was clear that this man was heavily intoxicated.

“Hello there,” the outsider slurred. “Could you please push me?” Irritated by the request, the homeowner replied, “No, go find yourself somewhere else!” He quickly closed the door, hoping to put an end to the bizarre encounter.

Upon returning to his wife, he recounted the strange incident. She looked at him and said, “That wasn’t very nice of you.” Surprised by her remark, he questioned her, “Why should I have helped him? He was clearly drunk.”

His wife’s response took him aback, “But remember that evening when we were in need of help? We were stranded on the road, trying to pick up the kids from the babysitter in the pouring rain. What if that man had turned us away?”

Realizing the truth in her words, he understood that showing kindness and generosity shouldn’t be dependent on the circumstances. He also realized that it was the right thing to do, regardless of the man’s condition. Determined to make amends, he got dressed and headed downstairs once again.

Opening the front door, he called out, “Hey, do you still want a push?” Surprisingly, there was no one in sight. Confused, he shouted, “Where are you?” Suddenly, a voice replied, “Over here, on the swing!” It was the inebriated stranger, seeking refuge in the nearby playground.

In that moment, the husband understood the power of compassion and the impact it could have on someone’s life, no matter the circumstances.