Putting it all in perspective

So I have spent much of this week busy with school and meetings at work, and now dealing with the aftermath of Tuesday's car wreck.  On Thursday I was able to get in for an appraisal at a locally owned body shop before work, and thankfully my principal was ok with me arriving a little bit later than the typical school day start.  Just as I arrived for the appraisal, it started to sprinkle, which meant hanging out side with the appraiser, in the rain.

Well, after I got the appraisal, and had turned the papers over to the Nissan body shop that would be repairing my car, I sat at a stop light as it started to rain harder.  Looking at a nearby corner, I noticed a woman, waiting at a bus stop with her child, who had to be no more than 2 years old, with her.  Without an umbrella to withstand the rain, she swooped him into her arms, and covered him with her only form of shelter, a towel.  I was determined to help this woman.

I pulled over into a nearby parking lot, and began searching my car for an umbrella.  Now, on any given day, I usually have 2-3 umbrellas in my car, so I expected I would have one I could give to this woman.  However, I did not.  Oh, I was so angry at myself for not having an umbrella, and not being able to help this woman.  With nothing else left to do, all I could do is pray.

I prayed that the TARC bus would arrive soon so this woman and her child would have shelter and they would arrive to their destination safely.  Tears fell as I begged God to help this woman, feeling helpless in her troubles.  However, when I opened my eyes, I noticed the TARC coming up the hill.  THANK YOU GOD was all I could say.

Perspective was definitely taught in this experience…I am frustrated by the hassles of repairing a damaged car, but in the end, I still have a car to drive--one that protects me from the rain, and that takes me to and from my destinations safely each day.  I couldn't help but imagine me standing on a corner with Bella, and the rain beginning to poor.  And even more so, I expect that woman only had her child with her because he was already sick and she was headed to a doctor's office or hospital to aid in his care.

So from now on, I plan to stock my car with umbrellas, for such a time.  But also remember, that a simple prayer can have the biggest impact.