A Changing Perspective On Change

As if my life didn't have enough change already, another unexpected and unwanted event presents itself. To put this recent event into context, I moved halfway across the country all by myself, my home church of 10 years is dividing, my well thought out and carefully planned career future is turned upside down, and now to really mix everything up I was involved in a major car accident today. If there was ever a time to add another drastic change to my life, it would be now. I guess that's why I'm not so shocked over the whole situation.

My last class for the day had just ended and I left campus to get on the freeway. A lot of students get out at that time too, so there was a line to turn on the onramp. As I sat there impatiently contemplating the thought of changing lanes to get ahead of the long line of cars, I checked the rear view mirror to see if any cars were coming. It was then that I saw the front end of a large truck right at my back bumper. I braced myself and took the hit. The entire back half of my car was smashed inward. The force of the impact caused me to ram into the car in front of me. I was smashed like an accordion between the two cars. After the impact, I started to freak out when a voice inside my head gave me two options: 1) freak out, or 2) suppress the desire to panic and handle the situation. With the help of the Lord, I chose option two and was able to maintain control. The guy who hit me came out of his car and tapped on my window, asking if I was alright. The girl in front of me that my car hit came over asking as well. I opened my door and relieved their minds and asked if they in turn were not hurt. By the grace of God, we were all totally fine. I am so very thankful for seat-belts. I suggested that we get out of the street and onto the sidewalk to sort this out. I took pictures (I posted some below) and swapped information with them. While I was making the call, the cops had already started on the scene. It was like everyone was invited to the party because not only the cops came, but the fire truck, the ambulance, the highway patrol, and the tow truck all wanted in on the fun. After the medics and cops got all the information they needed, my car was towed away. Sadly, it is just a smashed up piece of metal now. Amazingly, the guy who hit me and the girl in front of me did not have much damage and were able to drive off. I was escorted from the scene by one of the officers.

While I am very sad about my car (because I loved that car and I'm really going to miss it), I am so very grateful thinking over how it all happened. I wasn't on the freeway - thank God. I was able to brace for impact and control the position of my body -  thank God. Nothing and no one was in my car (because the back seat was completely smashed in) - thank God. The other drivers and their cars were totally fine - thank God. My car took the impact well so that I was not crushed with it - thank God. I was able to gain composure and take control of the situation - thank God. I knew what to do and who to call - thank God. My dad was able to answer the phone right when I called - thank God. The whole situation was taken care of without any hassles - thank God. And I don't have to be anywhere until Friday - thank God. Every step in this process was taken care of by the Lord. My previous fender tap not too long ago taught me how to respond to car situations. I freaked out then, but I learned from it so that I would be prepared for today. Nothing happens without a reason. God is in control. He is showing me more and more about Himself, and teaching me to become more and more dependent upon Him.


Change can be fun, but most of the time we don't like change. I am struggling with all the changes in my life. Some are good, but some are bad. Nothing seems to be certain. But there is one thing I know is certain, and it is that God will take care of me, no matter what comes my way. His plan is so much better than my own; and while following Him can be kinda scary at times not seeing what's ahead, I can rest assured that it will be for His glory and His purpose. I can say praise God, because He is most definitely worthy of all praise!