Yesterday I witnessed something that was truly unbelievable, especially for today.

You see, I drive a red GMC Envoy XL.  I love this vehicle, I mean, when I went car shopping 4 1/2 years ago, I knew what I wanted.  I told the salesman what I wanted.  I then waited for months while he looked for it.  I turned down a couple of other vehicles because it was not EXACTLY what I was looking for.  I was specific, I was detailed.

Then after having it for 1 1/2 years, we were rear-ended.  It was not life-threatening, but it has lead to many, many trips to the doctor, chiropractor, and then finally, surgery.  My car was damaged.  I was damaged.

After getting my car repaired, it looked like new again.  After my surgery, I looked like new again, but have never felt that way.  I have permanent nerve damage that runs down my right leg into my foot.  Most days it is manageable, but it is painful.  It is my new normal, so I’ve adjusted life to this.

Yesterday, as I was getting gas I witnessed a “fender bender”.  This man left the gate of his truck down and backed into a mini-van.  I watched him as he exited his truck, he was an elderly gentleman and you could see the concern on his face.  I watched as the owner of the mini-van came out of the store.  I couldn’t see her face immediately, so I had no idea how upset she was.  I just assumed she would be upset.  She went to her van, made sure she could open the side door, and then did something that stunned me.  I couldn’t hear their conversation, but I could see it.

She waved him off.

She.  Waved.  Him.  Off.   As if to say, “don’t worry about it, it’ll be fine, I forgive you”.

Now, neither of these vehicles were in “great” shape, they were both pretty dented and worn, but that’s not the point.  She offered forgiveness when she could have offered judgement.  Her attitude was that of grace.  What would my attitude have been like with my car, the car I waited for, the one I was specific about?

It reminds me so much of our Heavenly Father’s treatment of us when we “wreck” our lives.  When we come with a repentant heart, he is forgiving.  He “waves us off” in a sense, “don’t worry about it, it’ll be fine, I forgive you”.  It also makes me check myself and ask the question, “when I am wronged, do I offer forgiveness, can I just ‘wave it off’?“.

Thank you Lord for forgiveness, grace, and “waving me off”.

 

There is still time to donate to our matching grant from Lifesong, just click the Lifesong for Orphans button on the top right side of our blog.  Please note:  It is Lifesong, not the Lifeline button.  It will take you their “Make a Donation” page.  Scroll down and you’ll see “By Credit Card/Paypal, One Time Gift” a donate button.  Click that.

Then in the “Purpose” section put Turner #2316.  You’ll have the option of donating by credit card or Paypal.  Any amount you can donate would be appreciated greatly.  Also, Jeremy and I are sending out a small thank you gift to everyone who donates.  It is not much, but I’ll think you’ll love it!!

Blessings!!