On my way to a commitment, time was tight. Just as I arrived at my destination, I noticed a driver whose truck was stuck in the snow. Accepting that I might be late, I put down my things and put my shoulder to the tailgate.

The driver was happy for the help. Still, I couldn’t quite push hard enough to make a difference. But within minutes, a young man hopped out of his own car and we pushed together. With both of us pushing, we had just enough strength for the truck to find dry pavement.

As we celebrated our victory, I recognized the truck’s passenger: a teacher from my son’s school.

I’m grateful for all the unexpected lessons that this interaction delivered.

• Stop to help. Even when you’re short on time.

• If you have traction of your own, you can help someone who’s stuck.

• You might not have enough strength, but you can still try.

• When others see you doing good work, sometimes they’ll join you, and it will make a difference.

• Every so often, the strangers you help end up being friends you know.

Finally, I learned this: if the hill is icy, and you have a two-wheel drive truck, park somewhere else.