When I was in college, I participated in a bicycle vs. car incident. I was the bicycle in that scenario. I was racing a friend of mine back to our dorm. We were cycling along a busy street when I plowed smack into the side of a car making a left turn in front of me. (It’s not germane to my story, but I had the right-of-way. At least that’s what the judge said when the driver of the car sued me for the dent I made as I accordioned my bike — and myself — into her rear side panel.)
Miraculously, I returned home from a quick check at the hospital with nothing but a few scrapes and a whole-body whiplash. My bicycle however was never rideable again, even though my dad tried valiantly to unbend the frame.
Today’s verse reminded me of this experience because something very strange happened to me in the midst of that accident. Something that surpassed my understanding. To this day, I remember it vividly.
As my front tire struck the side of that car, time slowed to a crawl. The colors became brighter, sounds became clearer, and I had time to notice everything. My body left the bicycle, and as I somersaulted through the air I remember watching a bystander’s eyes and mouth widen slowly in surprise. I heard their gradually mounting shriek. I saw everything around me in great detail, including the pavement inching toward me, and I thought, “That’s going to hurt.” But it was all so peaceful.
Then I hit the ground, and time suddenly resumed its previous hectic pace. People rushed over, and an ambulance arrived, but the details there are lost to me.
If I rely on God, taking the time to pray, petition, and thank Him in the midst of any crisis, I can experience a peace that surpasses all understanding, maybe something akin to the peace I found in the midst of my bicycle accident.
Dear God,
Thank you for protecting me during that bike accident. And thank you for that experience of peace. I long for that peace when life seems overwhelming and confusing and painful. Thank you for the reminder that this peace is available to me if I look to you and spend time with you in prayer and gratitude, instead of worrying.
CamDevo 