Last weekend was quite eventful, with my tire going flat while I was driving through the mountains. Luckily, that gave me a good opportunity to write a column about what I learned.
It appears that my “Gutted But Grateful” column now has a sequel. I did not plan this at all; life happens.
In that story, the concluding line states, “Here’s to more humbling experiences ahead, and hopefully an August without any car issues.” Well, this closing statement aged quite poorly, and once again, you can probably see where this is going.
First and foremost, as a dedicated follower of Christ, I believe that God uses the tools from our everyday lives to humble us and teach us some much-needed lessons. It definitely stings to admit you are in the wrong, but feelings are temporary, and later, you will look back at those faults with gratitude.
This weekend, I was so excited to get some rest at home after all the chaos of my trip a few days earlier. My only other plans were to attend a friend’s graduation party on Saturday and, of course, church on Sunday.
I drove a little over an hour to my friend’s house and had the best time with her, along with some of my college friends. Since it was an easy drive, I hit the road around 10 p.m., just in time to get home a little before 11:30.
Well, as I drove up the interstate ramp for my exit, my car battery died — five minutes from my house.
I saw the battery light briefly appear 20 minutes beforehand, and silly me, I figured it was just a glitch. Still, I had a gut feeling I needed to finish the drive cautiously, and I did so.
As the car stopped, my first thought was, “Of course this happens right now!” Despite this, I do not doubt that God was watching over me that night for several reasons.
Being so close to home was a blessing in itself, but shortly after it happened, I called my dad. Then, after I hung up, I took my flashers out of my trunk, only to hear a voice far too familiar on the phone say, “Hello?!”
As it turns out, I accidentally dialed my best friend, Ellie. I had hugged her as I left the graduation party and told her I would let her know when I got home.
It’s so funny to me how I unintentionally called her because I was on the side of the road, alone at 11:30 p.m. That was one of those moments when I needed her more than anything, and despite how late it was, she stayed on the phone with me until my dad showed up.
I wouldn’t have thought to call her at that moment because I figured she was getting ready for bed, but talking to her made me feel less alone and kept me from sobbing like I did when my tire blew. That accidental ring was no doubt a move from God.
Even though a blown tire and a dead battery have nothing in common, the two incidents helped me better accept one heaping lesson: I am 23 years old and still so young. I may think I have things figured out, but in reality, I don’t have much figured out at all.
Before these incidents, my dad would always tell me to keep in mind that my car won’t last forever, especially since it’s an older model that belonged to one of my close relatives who stopped driving a few years ago.
I always told my dad, “Yeah, I know,” but really swept it under the rug, considering it a “later me” issue. It’s safe to say that I will not make that mistake again.
In the end, I am very grateful for my parents’ utmost support, even when I am poorly prepared from time to time. I don’t know how I would have managed either situation without the car equipment my dad had placed in my trunk, and I never doubted he would answer my call.
So, as this car-issue series (hopefully) comes to an end, I admit that I will no longer brush off such reminders from my parents, as they, too, were young and had cars give them issues. (If you two are reading this, thank you; I love you both so much.)
I’m no longer gutted but simply still grateful, as I can take another lesson that will help me mature as an adult.
Now, I really hope I can handle whatever hurdles could be ahead this August!
God Bless.