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My Life Flashed Before My Eyes
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During college, when I had grown lukewarm in my faith, God allowed trials in my life that continually serve as reminders to stay close to Him.
One such event occurred while commuting to school in the late 70’s (a time of no cell phones nor seat belt laws). On a sunny morning following a Nor’easter, I drove my usual route on back roads to the college campus. During the commute, I hit a patch of ice and lost control of my vehicle. As I tried to control the skid, the car sped up while bouncing back and forth against the snowbanks on both sides of the road.
I didn’t have my seatbelt on, and in a panic, while being tossed around in the car, I covered my face with my arms and called out to “The Father”. As my car careened out of control, I saw a tape of my life (including long forgotten sins) quickly unwind before me from the time I was a toddler, through elementary school to the present. The tape, which was similar to what you’d see on an old-fashioned movie reel, finally ended when my car plowed into a snowbank between 2 telephone poles. Shortly afterward, a good Samaritan pulled my car from the snowbank.
I was humbled by the kindness of a stranger, and stirred by the reminder of God’s intimate presence. Regardless of the outcome, it was clear that God was with me. As a result of this experience, I sought to be more committed to my faith, despite ongoing challenges with the ebb and flow of worldly distractions vs. remaining close to the Lord.
Life is a gift, and God should never be taken for granted. The trials I experience remind me to ask, am I seeking God in good times, or only when things aren’t going well? Do I want to look at my life now and make appropriate changes, or just wait?
We’re never alone. God, who is abundantly patient and merciful, proactively seeks to draw us closer to Him.
“Where can I go from your spirit? From your presence, where can I flee?” (Ps 139:7).
