One of my favorite weekly routines is a Friday afternoon prayer-reflection walk-run at that 428 Greenbelt in Aubrey. It’s where I meet with the Father to listen, to learn, to reflect, to pray, to cry out, to laugh, to dream, to plan, to marinate on messages in my mind , to wrestle with life’s tragedies, as well as to rejoice in life’s triumphs. It has become a time where I not only get exercise, but feel the sunshine, or rain at times. It’s where I’ve watched the winter turn to spring, and the seemingly lifeless trees yawn and stretch out their little buds and sprigs that have become glorious oak, pecan, elm, and red bud leaves and blossoms. It’s where I’ve seen the brown and humble grasses turn into mighty bushes, and the beautiful indian paintbrushes display their radiant red blooms as they blanket the slow rolling terrain. It’s where bees are busy collecting pollen, and hawks are flying over head looking for prey. It’s a place of solitude, and it’s a place of surrender; it’s quiet and it’s full of life.
Well, today, as I usually do, I made my way out to this sacred spot to meet with the Father. As I approached the entrance to the 428 greenbelt parking lot and put on my left blinker to make the turn, I had a passing thought: “What if the cars behind me that are quickly approaching aren’t paying attention to me turning?” So, as I waited for the oncoming traffic to pass by me, I looked up in my rear view mirror to see what the fast approaching cars behind me were doing…one car went by quick on the shoulder, then another, but the third car wasn’t making his move around me. I watched this car in my rear view mirror getting closer and closer and closer–I started honking to try and get his attention, and then BAM! I can still see it in slow motion–he’s bending down, and he’s coming quick, then BAM! Immediately, I was jolted forward in my truck, the back window blew out, and I looked over to my right and saw this vehicle that had just hit me from behind running fast through the ditch and quickly approaching a fence, his front-end totaled and smoke blowing out.
Are there times in our lives when our plans get interrupted? Even if we have the best of intentions? Yes, there are. Fortunately, by the grace of God, neither of us were seriously injured. I’m sure we’ll both be sore from the impact, but nothing seemingly serious. But still, my day didn’t turn out the way I had planned, and I feel the sting of unmet expectations. How are we to process such circumstances? We usually can give some answer, but let me let you in to my wrestle, and share what has been filtering through my thoughts…
My thoughts are turned to the fact that I have my life. I am still breathing. I have my health, and that means more time here on this earth. I have insurance. He has insurance. Yes, I have a mountain of paperwork to deal with, and an insurance settlement that may not turn out the way I want, but who cares, it’s just stuff. I have a wonderful wife. I have a beautiful family. I have the privilege of being a pastor at Denton Bible Church. And on. And on. Yes, this was an interruption to my plans for the day, but…
…it was not a rogue or maverick set of circumstances. No, no, this is a trial that has passed through the Father’s hands, and it is one of His gentle reminders as to the reality that life is momentary and not ultimately satisfying. It is a gentle nudge to pursue a life of gratitude, and life of joy. Needless to say, I was not able to make my prayer-reflection walk-run as I usually do, but I was able to see the Father’s protection, care, and love. This is one trial where I can say with a whole heart, I consider it joy!
Let us progress on as wayfaring pilgrims to the celestial city with a joyful heart–will you join me?!
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:14
— April 22, 2016