We returned from a weeklong trip, ready to get home. The shuttle dropped us at the car. It had left the lot by the time we got everything in the car and got ready to leave, so the driver didn’t know and couldn’t help when the car didn’t start.

Well, that wasn’t ideal when I was less than two hours from home. I flagged down another driver, who fortunately had a jump starter in his car. Off he went to get it. Since we weren’t sure it would work, we came up with a couple other options. But it worked. I’m grateful for strangers willing to help. We made it home. I didn’t turn off the car just in case, and it’s a good thing I didn’t. When I tried to start it the next morning, the battery was dead again. It was a Sunday morning, but I called a friend, who was willing to replace it within a couple hours. I’m grateful for friends willing to help.

There are so many people I appreciate in my life who give me a boost from time to time. I rarely need a full battery replacement but just the little push of encouragement helps me keep going through the highs and lows. Sharing life can be draining but is mostly energizing. Not a day goes by that my life is not touched by others. I just need to keep my eyes and heart open to recognizing and appreciating the connections.