When the Unexpected Happens
My cell phone chimed that a text message was coming through. Only the youngest was out of the house, so it was probably a note as to when he’d be home. I flipped open my pink phone nonchalantly, pressed the center button, and read the message:
“Got in an accident. Not hurt or anything. Just the fender dented in. And I’m giving info.”
Jerked out of relaxing into reality, I called to Hubby and with edgy voice proclaimed, “He’s been in an accident.”
A rush of adrenaline now marked the evening as worries surged into the nooks and crannies of our minds. Was the other driver hurt? Was the accident our son’s fault? Where was he? Was his car in driving condition? Were there police on the scene? Should we go help?
We waited to give our son time to handle the exchange of info, and then we texted back: “Do you need any help?” We waited for the next text back.
It never came.
The dark storm cloud hovered over our house. We waited for what seemed a reasonable amount of time for our youngest to return home. We whisked another text over the electronic wires: “Are you ok”
Then we noticed his cell phone was dead–calls went straight to the voicemail. Full scale panic set in. We had no idea where he was, if he was alright, if there had been complications with the accident, and no way to reach him.
Crowded in the loft we discussed the options: call the police to see if they had any contact with our son, check with his friends–but we had no phone numbers, or go search for him–but where.
The hours had ticked away and we finally went to our bedroom to pray. Ready for action, we headed to our car, clasping the cellphone as our lifeline. As we pulled out of the driveway, it rang, then cut off. We breathed. At least he was alive. Within minutes, he was back home.
So, why did we put off praying until after the worries had taken hold? Peace is given to those who bring their cares to the Lord. No matter how large or small. We let ourselves be robbed.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6&7 NIV
reposted from the archives
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis
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I once heard someone say that we should use prayer as our steering wheel and not the spare tire.
Also, I love the new look on the blog. It looks great!
Thanks, Larry. I like that saying. It makes a good word picture here, but applicable for all aspects of life.
Design is still in process. We’ll see what happens when all the lists are in their pews.
Blessings,
Janis
Whew! I can only imagine. I get nervous when I don’t hear from my daughter for a few hours longer than I expected. 😆 I’m not a big worrier, and I do pray immediately (which I’m sure you did, too — just not formally on you knees kind of thing), but when it’s your kids . . . you know, and I know. It’s hard.
Love what you’re doing with the blog. Especially the way the stripes kind of fade out from the top. It’s like that kind of wall paper or faux painting where it’s not the colors that are different but the textures, and the difference is sometimes visible, sometimes not. Beautiful!
Love in Jesus,
Cindy
I love the new look on your blog!
I have been robbed by worry and anxiety many times myself. Thanks for letting me know I’m not alone and for reminding me to always turn to Him first.
Is your everything okay with your son and the other driver?
~Jennifer
Thank you all for your concerns about our youngest. He is doing fine. Just needs a job now to pay for the damage to his car. Would appreciate your prayers for him.
From My Heart to Yours,
Janis