what’s important
March 30th, 2008
It’s odd how one’s perspective can change in a few moments, but it is no hyperbole to say that a few seconds this previous week have changed me forever. This past Tuesday morning on my way to work, I ran into a telephone pole while driving at about 40 mph. People don’t usually survive such accidents, slamming head on into telephone poles. Somehow, I did, and relatively unscathed at that. I was multi-tasking while driving, talking to my fiance on my cell phone and reaching for my travel mug of coffee. Stupid, I know, but rather normal behavior for me. As a result, my poor fiance heard the entire terrifying crash as I lost control of my vehicle and wrecked. I was stunned, in a lot of pain, but suffered no major injuries.
As I was crashing, I was overcome with a prayer, “God, I’m not done with my life yet. Please let me live.” I’ve not served God like I really want to. I’ve not been appreciating my friends and family enough. Ashamed as I am to admit it, I have been thoroughly self involved lately. That I can get downright obsessive over a few ounces on a scale is proof that my priorities are a bit out of whack.
The first person who came to my aid after my crash was a seventeen year old girl. I was touched by how she had unselfishly ran out the door into the freezing cold, no coat or shoes on, still in her pajamas, to help. She knew somone needed help, and she didn’t stop to think about her own basic needs first. How can I be more like her? What can I do to help others? I’m asking myself these questions and still searching for the answers. It is probably true that there is no one answer for each question. Done in the right spirit, probably there are a million things I can do each day to be more like the good samaritan who helped me.
My fiance was able to come into town this weekend to be with me and to help me purchase a new car. He commented how I have been changed by the accident. Things I would have worried about a week ago aren’t bothering me now. It is as if I am seeing my family, fiance, friends, and coworkers again for the first time. Their love has been incredible, and I hope to be worthy of it.