Havoc on the Road. Only in Jesus, Part 2
"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my
rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." (Ps 62:1-2
NIV)
Last Thursday, January 20th, 2012, near the end of my workday, the weather
turned deadly. Snow began pouring down from the sky, quickly reducing the
visibility to "0". As I stepped out of the building, snow clung to every exposed
part of my body, and I couldn't see even a foot in front of my face. I was in
the middle of a whiteout. Yet despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions, I
still had to get home.
It was funny that the day before someone had told me about a whiteout
experience, and I declared to that person that there was no way I would ever
drive anywhere in such circumstances.
Yet here I was, cleaning my car of this sticky, heavy snow.
I'm not real sure why I even bothered. No sooner had I finished clearing the
snow from a window when the newly-fallen stuff would again coat that surface.
Still I was determined. I had to get home.
Once in the car, I was literally dripping with snow. My hair was covered and my
glasses were completely fogged over. Nevertheless I wiped my glasses and started
the car. I'm not sure why I bothered defogging my glasses either, for no sooner
had I finished when I needed to start over again!
Not that it mattered much. I couldn't see anything at all, even without my
glasses! I couldn't even see the car in front of me. How would I ever get home?
But I was persistent. I turned on my emergency lights so as to be a bit more
visible to those who shared my road, and I drove slowly, ever so slowly. I
didn't have a choice, really. You can't drive fast when you can't see! Besides,
anyone around me were driving slow as well.
When I glanced at my knuckles I realized that I was gripping the steering wheel
with all my strength. No way would I let it out of my grasp! As I watched my
knuckles grow white from the strain, I finally realized that I was a bit too
tense.
I also realized I was trying to be in control of my circumstances. How
completely ridiculous! Who can control whiteout conditions! I sure can't!
It's then that I concluded that I was doing it again. I was trying to be my old
self again , and my insistence on being in control was filling me with anxiety.
"Heavenly Father," I humbly prayed, "I'm doing it again! I'm trying to be in
control and it fills me with terror. These circumstances are way out of my
league. I can't be in control, so I will step off the high position I try to
occupy, and I invite You to be in control of my life and circumstances. I will
rest now in Your arms, knowing full well that whatever happens will be for the
best. Thank You Father for being there for me."
That's when I was filled with total peace. My grip on the steering wheel
relaxed, and I actually started to enjoy the experience. Why? Because I began
to see my circumstances from a different light. My Heavenly Dad was taking care
of me, and now I could just enjoy my ride. Yes! Even amidst this storm, these
whiteout conditions!
Naturally I arrived safely home in the shelter of my God. He is my fortress
after all!
Only later did I learn that a clipper system had gone over our region, bringing
embedded heavy bursts of snow with strong winds and significantly reducing
visibility. These whiteouts conditions closed two nearby highways, where
32-vehicle pile-ups were reported. Other accidents were reported as well, just
like the car I saw in the ditch.
I may not be able to be in charge of my circumstances, but God sure can and He
welcomes such opportunities. Thank You Father that I can leave all of my worries
in Your capable hands. Oh I love You!
Do you have problems seeing through your windshield?
Rob Chaffart