Driving an automobile is an experience much like life as a whole. On a recent day as I got into the car there was the promise of rain in the air. The thunder was rumbling lightening flashing in the distance, even a smell of freshness in the air. It didn’t take long to find it. About a mile up the road was the familiar peck, peck, peck, as the first drops from the edge of the storm found the windshield on the car. Within another mile the roads were soaked, wipers going full tilt and other drivers were, well they were, let’s just say they were reacting to the change in climate in some rather peculiar ways. Often when it snows in a usually warm climate, we comment that no one seems to know how to drive on the white stuff. I suppose that was my initial reaction to the unusual antics on the road around me. No, I’ll not recount right now; just use your imagination.
Probably the most insecure part of driving through a pounding rainstorm in a smaller car is the increased risk of hydro planning. What was a safe and conservative speed under other conditions becomes uncomfortable. Muscles tense, eyes dart more rapidly and the foot jumps quickly to the brake pedal far more often than on a clam sunny day. It’s a bit of a slower go with more distance respectfully left between vehicles. Makes me wonder how Jesus would drive. Or maybe how about Peter? For once a few more minutes of drive time seemed to be preferred to the need for speed to beat the clock. Patience and calm attitudes replaced the normal radical passing maneuvers and hasty decisions accompanied by emphatic gestures.
Yet there was the inevitable slowdown, stopped traffic on the freeway and finally the creeping past the accident scene at a snail’s pace while attempting to maintain a safe clearance from the bumper in front of you. There had to be at least one who didn’t slow enough, wasn’t cautious enough or just lost control. Whatever the cause, they were not having a good day now. The entire rear end of their car was a crumpled mess waiting for the tow truck. Then we were gone, back up to speed and moving toward our goals.
As I exited the car after arriving, the rain had passed; the umbrella could stay in the car. It was over and I had indeed survived. Feeling tested and tried battle weary and yet victorious; I entered my day expecting to recount my tales of tribulation in my travels. And I knew full well that those around me would have similar accounts of their harrowing escapes and the laughter while expressing the antics of the circus they had also just come through. Some would have come through the experience without noting anything of worth. Some would be thankful for the narrow escape in that harrowing moment when things almost turned badly. Some would be so excited it would be difficult for any productive work to be accomplished until they are able to get their story out of their system. Others would be able to put it in perspective and move on to life’s next event.
Not much different from our lives as a whole. We are born into an uncomfortably difficult environment after spending nine months becoming. We had existed, grown, developed, become self aware, exercised, demanded and were reluctantly birthed. Things were suddenly and completely different.
So it was for the one in the accident. They had not started their day expecting that it would be the last time to see their children on the earth. The bumpers, the seat belts, the air bags even the lights and wipers were designed to keep tragedy at bay. The two small children who survived, the husband who was notified, the family and friends were suddenly thrust into an environment which was not of their choosing. Each life event is much like each driving experience. Some smooth and welcome; accomplishing their desired purpose. Others are sudden and severe, seemingly without explanation.
The only coping, pastoral advice I can provide is that we live each day, each moment, as though it is the culmination. This very word or embrace or kindness that we do is the trophy upon which the entirety of our relationship is enthroned. If unthinkable tragedy strikes in between those moments, then we confess our imperfections and continue in the sweet memories of when we lived in the harmony we want others to see.