Near Death Experiences

I almost died last Monday. 

Okay, that may be a little melodramatic, but I could have, at the very least, been hurt quite badly.  Here’s what happened:

I had spent the day with by buddy John.  John lives on the opposite side of town and by the time I got in my car and headed home it had gotten dark and it was raining.  On the way home, I exited “The Beltline” (Madison’s version of a busy expressway.)  My windshield wipers were working overtime to make the road visible but they were smudgy at best.  This would have probably been fine for a “normal” person, but my eyes are terrible in the dark to begin with.  As I tried to manipulate the off ramp with my impaired vision I suddenly realized that I was half way up the median and headed directly for the traffic light had appeared out of nowhere.  Thankfully, the Lord kept me from a collision and I made it home unscathed, albeit quite shaken. 

Here’s the thing, this almost mishap could have easily been avoided had I simply replaced my wiper blades.  What makes matters worse is the fact that since I got the car in April of last year there has been a brand new set of wiper blades IN THE TRUNK of my car! 

Whenever the weather has been bad I have had difficulty piloting my vehicle due to reduced visibility.  Of course I wouldn’t have thought of subjecting myself to a few minutes of discomfort that would accompany changing the blades during inclement weather.  And as soon as the weather improved I forgot and moved on.  But this time I got the mother of all wake up calls.  But even that wasn’t enough!  The next morning I scurried off to work completely carefree without giving my windshield wipers a second though.  And again the rain-smudged windshield made my drive a stress filled experience.  But this time I’d had enough.  As soon as I got home I changed them!  The entire process took me all of 5 minutes (yes, I timed it.) 

I have asked myself why I didn’t do this sooner.  Was it laziness?  Or do I think that I’m not worth 5 minutes of time to ensure my own safety? 

In Psalm 139:13-15 the author writes:

  For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
 My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

I can’t help but wonder how much better care we would take of ourselves if we had this attitude about our selves.  I am important!  I do deserve to take care of myself!  So I will do the things necessary to protect myself and guard myself from harm.  This applies to my physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. 

I could go on with ideas and examples for days, but seeing as you’re reading this, you are obviously extremely intelligent and can figure out personal applications on your own, although I would be remiss if I were not to recommend starting with prayer. 

So there are my deep thoughts for the week.  I’d love to here yours!