On Wednesday afternoon, I was driving from East Dallas to Mesquite for a meeting. The drive was going according to plan until it wasn’t.
Without warning, I was struck from behind by another SUV.
Over the last few days I’ve reflected on the experience and the life changes that have followed:
- Health. Thankfully neither party was seriously injured. The many safety features on both vehicles performed as designed.
- Priorities. The other driver felt his next meeting so important that after quickly providing his information, he left the scene to attend that meeting. I remained at the scene until I had been in touch with my insurance company and determined my vehicle was safe to drive somewhere for repair. I rescheduled my meeting, and dropped my vehicle off for evaluation and repair.
- Impact. I drive quite a bit. My daily commute exceeds 80 miles round trip. And, I drive some during the work day for meetings. Thankfully, my wife also has a vehicle. Her daily commute is under 1 mile round trip. So, for the last few days, I’ve borrowed her vehicle and she’s walked everywhere or waited to go until I returned home with her vehicle. The one time that wasn’t possible, she utilized a ride sharing service for a short trip.
- Perspective. I recognize that my experience speaks to my privilege. While I did not seek medical care, I have medical insurance and would have done so had I felt it was needed. While my next meeting was important, I knew that it could be rescheduled and that doing so would not jeopardize that relationship or my employment. With no rental car coverage on my auto insurance policy and no determination of fault rendered, I chose to borrow my wife’s car knowing that this would have limited impact on our budget or schedules.
So What?
I’ve been struck this week.
I was struck by a vehicle.
And, I’ve been struck by the realization that life can change quickly, and that many such changes are beyond our control.
Prayer
Loving God, help me to slow down enough not just to see the world around me, but to meaningfully engage with other humans and with all of creation. Open me to the possibility that sometimes entries on my schedule need to be rescheduled or removed in order to fully respond to emerging opportunities. And, give me the wisdom and strength to continue to contribute to the struggle for justice and peace. Amen.