What Happens When You Mix a Snowstorm, a FedEx Truck, and a Lawn That Didn’t Sign Up for This?
Sometimes, life surprises us with lessons we never expected. That’s exactly what happened to me on a snowy Friday, when my peaceful snow day turned into an unforgettable moment of kindness—and a hug I never saw coming.
It Started With Spinning Tires
The day began quietly, until I heard the telltale sound of tires revving and a truck backing up. Peering out the window, I saw a FedEx truck hopelessly stuck in the snow... on my driveway.
Snow was flying everywhere. My first thought as I rushed outside was, “Dude, what were you thinking?” But the driver stepped out of the truck, shoulders slumped, and admitted sheepishly, “Yeah, I knew I shouldn’t have pulled in.”
In that moment, my frustration melted away. My poor lawn now had ruts deep enough to plant a garden, but instead of being angry, I decided to extend kindness.
An Unexpected Invitation
I invited the driver inside to warm up while he waited for a tow truck. At first, he refused. “I’ve already caused enough trouble,” he said. “I’ll just stay in the garage.”
The unheated garage, mind you.
So I brought him some water and checked on him, but it was far too cold to wait there. I insisted he come inside, and eventually, he agreed. That’s when the real surprise began.
Finding Common Ground
As we talked, he shared stories about his family, his love for his job—even on days like this—and his life just a few towns over. It turned out, he had gone to a high school near where my kids went.
In those few minutes, we went from strangers to finding common ground.
After an hour (plus 30 minutes of the tow truck pulling his truck out), he turned to me and said something I’ll never forget:
“You know, I thought you’d yell at me for this. Most people would. Thanks for not being a b!t¢h like I expected. Can I give you a hug?”
A hug! From the guy who had just torn up my lawn.
The Package and the Lesson
What was in the package that caused all this chaos? Home décor from Magnolia. (Thanks, Joanna Gaines!)
But the story doesn’t end there.
Just a few days earlier, I had been reflecting on The Power of Moments by Dan and Chip Heath, and this real-life experience brought its lessons to life:
Choosing kindness creates meaningful moments. These moments matter not just for others but for us as well.
Moments stick with people long after the snow melts. That driver might not remember the ruts in my lawn, but he’ll remember the warmth he received on a tough day.
The Power of Storytelling
This experience reminded me of another truth: storytelling connects us on a deeper level. Just as I found common ground with the FedEx driver, the stories we share inspire, build trust, and drive action.
Storytelling isn’t just a way to share experiences; it’s a tool to create moments that matter and strengthen the bonds between us.
Let’s Create Stories That Stick
If you’re ready to connect with your audience in a way that inspires and builds trust, I’d love to help you harness the power of storytelling. Together, we can craft stories that captivate, engage, and drive meaningful action.
The next time life spins its tires in your driveway, remember: you have the power to create a moment that sticks. Choose kindness. Make it count.
