Fender Benders & Forgiveness

Recently, while on my way home, I accidentally backed into another car. I never saw the car, though I was moving very slowly. How did I manage this incredible feat? Well, my brain was hosting other thoughts and decisions, and apparently, it forgot to invite the part of me that pays attention to driving. I was in another world until - bam!- the gentle nudge of reality and the other car jolted me back to earth. Suddenly, I was hyper-aware of the world around me—the road, the car, and the fact that I needed to be present when driving a vehicle!

Ever found yourself behind the wheel, cruising on autopilot, only to snap back to reality and think, "Wait a minute, how did I end up here?" or "What just happened? Me too!

My mind drifts from my routine drive home to thinking about my journey through life towards my ultimate destination. I don't want to go through the motions—I really want to make the most of the time God has given me. This life is short, and there is much to do!

Here are a few things helping me, and they might resonate with you, too.

Be Present. 

Embrace the moment with full engagement. Whatever is before you—be it a person, a task, or your surroundings—immerse yourself completely. When conversing, concentrate on the person and their words. When completing a task, direct your mind entirely to it. When praying, pray with intent. When washing dishes, feel the soap suds on your hands. When assisting others, truly see them. When driving, maintain your focus. Do not allow distractions. Be present.

Matthew 6:34 powerfully emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present moment. It states, "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." We do not need to be anxious about the future. We can confidently trust that God will provide exactly what we need -when we need it. I have heard my daddy pray, "Lord, give us what we need when we need it." It is a prayer I have adopted. Do not worry, sweet friend. Trade your worry for a focus on God. He will take care of your future. 

Choose Joy again and again. 

After the sudden jolt of colliding with another car, I was relieved to find that we were both unharmed. Thankfully, there were no injuries. However, my heart sank upon noticing the slight damage and missing paint on his car, while mine was remarkably unscathed. I promptly apologized to the giant of a man as he stepped out of his car. His response was a relief: "I am fine if you are fine. All is forgiven, and there's no need to report this!" He then leaned down and hugged me! This man exuded joy and forgiveness, blessing me beyond words. Nehemiah 8:10 reads, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." There are certainly times when one must face life's consequences. However, a little grace and a joyful heart can sometimes transform your day. The gentleman I backed into had joy, and he shared it with me. Then I, too, was filled with joy. 

Sweet friends, choose joy again and again. 

Choose forgiveness again and again. 

I invite you to choose forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 states, "Forgive others as Christ forgave you." Forgiveness is essential for us all. I am profoundly thankful for the grace our Lord gives us. Although we may not deserve it, He offers it generously. Because He forgave us, we can forgive others. Just as He forgave us, we are called to forgive. We are to forgive in the deepest of wounds and in the small. As we forgive, God blesses. 

Friend, where do you need to be present today? Is there someone you can bless by giving forgiveness and joy! I invite you to be present, choose joy, and always forgive. It will change your day.