It was a typical Friday evening in Santa Fe; we were off to an art exhibit, followed by dinner with dear friends. Snow was lightly falling, the smell of burning pinon in the air.
A few steps into an intersection changed everything.
My husband pushed the crossing light button, and we waited for the signal. We noticed the snowplow opposite us at the intersection, but never anticipated it would make a left turn into our path.
What followed was the stuff of nightmares; as I laid in the street looking at my husband, his face bruised and bleeding, I prayed to God that he would save us.
Kind strangers came to our aid. Ambulances appeared. Wonderful ER personnel gave us prompt and careful attention. City police documented the details of the incident, and transportation officials sent messages offering support.
Our dear friends arrived, full of love and compassion – and prayers.
Having suffered the worst of the injuries, my husband was transported to a university medical center, where he spent 4 days recovering. Again we were surrounded by expert, caring medical professionals.
Our precious friends went above and beyond, riding in ambulances, following behind, spending the night with me, and getting me to see my husband in the hospital the next day.
Our three angel daughters appeared, calm and competent. They shopped, cooked, took care of details – and loved.
Through it all, we marveled at God’s Providence; He protected us from injuries that could have been so much more severe.
A split second further into that intersection could have resulted in dire consequences.
One sweet friend shared that she was sure an angel had pushed us out of the way.
And we agree.
And we have received the clear message that God isn’t finished with us yet.
In the weeks prior to our accident, we had many a conversation about surrendering our lives and our future to God. We laughed about being in “the 4th quarter” of life, and prayed about where we could serve God in the most meaningful way during this time.
The phrase “living a life of eternal significance” resonated with me. I adopted it months ago as one of my personal aspirations.
In the months ahead, we will be moving to the Pacific Northwest to be closer to our family. We have trusted that we are following God’s direction, knowing that we will be “stepping out of the boat” into uncharted waters.
We have felt God beside us, guiding us every step of the way.
And in the craziest way, He met us at the intersection that Friday night.
Our hearts are overflowing with thankfulness that we are alive! And we have been both overwhelmed – and humbled – by the outpouring of prayers, good wishes and offers of help we have received from so many gracious people.
We continue to recover, bolstered by faith, anchored by hope and trust, embraced by God and surrounded by the love of family and friends.
In the weeks ahead, God will help us restore our energy and repair our injuries. He is stitching our hearts, souls and bodies back together as I write.
And, God willing, the “Whirling Dervishes,” as we have been fondly referred to by our family and friends, will return in full strength (or maybe at a few less RPMs).
With all the credit given to God.
I pray that your close encounters with God will not be as dramatic as ours – but that you will have the exquisite awareness of His Presence and His Plan for your lives.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~ Jeremiah 29:11
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beWARM 