Crash Course in Waiting (aka "A Saab Story")

There's a bitter irony in preaching and writing on the "spiritual discipline" of waiting, and then having God throw you a curve to see if you really mean what you say.

For many years, I have been yearning to get a new car. I was tired of the old, gutless Escort I had been driving. I wanted something new. I wanted something fun. I wanted an adult car! After a lot of waiting and saving and researching and dreaming, this September we bought a Saab 9-3. I loved it! 210hp of turbocharged excitement turning on rails as you work through the 6-speed manual transmission. Suddenly, even going to the store to get milk was enjoyable. At least for 3 months, 12 days, and 2,777 miles...

Last Thursday (12/27), Kristi and I were returning from a stop at the Tacoma Mall before going to dinner. It was dark and raining, and the northbound traffic on I-5 was at a crawl. Fortunately (so we thought), the new long exit ramp to I-705 was moving along a good pace. Unfortunately, people getting stuck on I-5 started darting over into the exit lanes. The young man driving with his father in his dad's Volvo wagon in front of me suddenly stomped on his brakes. My Saab responded with agility as as I quickly began to stop behind him. (You know you're in control and going to stop in time when your wife doesn't reach for the dash!) BUT... the young man and his date in the Jeep Cherokee behind us wasn't as quick on the brakes. He smashed into us and forced us into the Volvo in front of us. When you're the middle car, there's just no where for all that kinetic energy to go. Bang! CRASH! In an instant, it was over.

As Kristi put it, there's good news, bad news, and sad news. The good news: Everybody involved was okay; there were no injuries. The bad news: our date was ruined and we missed dinner. The sad news: the Saab is toast!




And so the waiting begins again. This time, it's waiting on insurance companies to do their thing. Waiting to see if the car can be fixed or if they will total it out. More waiting...

In the meantime, I'm trying to remember how much I need to be thankful for. No one was hurt. The kids weren't with us. The State Patrol responded quickly and did a great job of handling things. The kid who hit us admitted responsibility. The tow truck got there fairly quick. We had great friends taking care of our kids, and who came to pick us up (Thanks, Doug and Betsy!). And more.

I'm also realizing again just how much of waiting involves a sense of being out of control. Actively waiting means actively trusting that my Heavenly Father is in control. It also means remembering that everything is a gift from God, and I need to hold all that God has given with an open hand.

Lord God, thank you for the way you continue to provide and protect. Heavenly Father, you are the giver of every good and perfect gift. Help me to receive all that you give with open hands and to never take for granted your generosity and grace. And thank you for the things that matter most: family, friends, and fellowship with you.