I was parking my bike just now in what seemed to be the last open spot in the lot at Plaza Renon, and it was a very difficult spot to negotiate, angled in the opposite direction, motorbikes resting on either side. As I attempted various unsuccessful efforts to enter the spot, a young man came along, headed for his own bike somewhere in the lot, stopped on his way, and wordlessly volunteered his assistance. He lifted the back of the bike on my left, scooting it several inches away, and then, as I continued to struggle into the spot, lifted the back of my own bike and scooted it to the right, thus directing my ship in a straight line to port. The man never uttered a word. He just moved on when the job was done.
And here's the kicker: This is not an unusual kindness. It is a common thing here. And I think that, in general, this would not happen back home in America, for the first rule there is Thou shalt not interact with thy neighbor. The second is like it, thou shalt not invade thy neighbor's space, even if it is in need of invasion. Thy neighbor's problem is thy neighbor's own business. It is a gross generalization, yes; nonetheless, it is my impression based on 55 years of experience in my country of origin. Here in Indonesia a neighbor is a neighbor. There, a neighbor is a stranger.
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, the scripture says, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Well, I'm no angel, but I surely am a stranger, and one sorely in need of parking assistance.
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