Accept the Ride

Against Trebor’s better judgment, he accepts the ride and finds himself strapped into the worn-out passenger seat of a 2005 Toyota Corolla S. 

“By the way,” says the man as he drives carefully down Diversey Avenue. “My name is James.”

“Trebor.”

“Nice to meet you, Trebor. I wasn’t sure if you’d accept the ride but God spoke to me and told me to offer it.”

“I didn’t mean to be an inconvenience.”

“Not at all.’

James and Trebor begin a conversation about faith. “I’m glad to hear that you’re a believer,” says James. “You know that you’re called to love your enemies. Even those guys back there. Ask God how you can show them God’s love.”

Trebor sinks into his seat. “Yeah, I think that if I go up to them again, they’ll grind me into the sidewalk.”

“Do you know what a martyr is?”

“Exactly what I’m avoiding.”

James laughs.

Before long, Trebor says, “You can just drop me off at the park. I’ll walk from here.” James seems nice enough but then again, you never know. 

“Of course.”

James pulls over and lets Trebor out. Trebor waves and gives his thank you. 

“You’re always welcome at our church youth group on Wednesday nights,” says James. 

As he pulls away, Trebor sees a cute girl named Yesenia, that he went to his middle school with, holding birthday balloons in the park. She was considered to be a popular girl and he never seemed to come up with a good enough reason to talk to her. Though Trebor has never had a girlfriend before, he wonders if seeing her isn’t a mere coincidence. 

What should Trebor do?

(Choose below)