UncategorizedThank you, Doris November 30, 2012This is not the post that I thought I’d be writing today, but sometimes life steps in and plans change. Last night, my husband and I were in a car accident. It was the first one that I’ve been in and I must say, it was the scariest experience of my life. You always hear that things go in slow motion and I never really believed that until last night. It was the strangest experience. Thankfully, all involved are okay. Although, many said they didn’t understand how we all walked away untouched. Just to give you a small idea of what happened, we were ironically driving to pick up my car, which was in the shop. We were driving down a dark, two lane road. A car ran a stop sign and we t-boned them at somewhere between 50 and 60 mph. From that, both cars ran into a ditch. Ours was sort of hanging on the side of the ditch…so much so that several people commented how easily it could’ve flipped over on us. We hit the car on the driver’s side door…and she walked away completely fine. The woman that we hit was named Doris. If any of you have been in an accident, you know that you have to wait a long time for the police, etc. before they let you leave. During this time, Doris and I got to know each other. It started off with just asking if she was really okay, etc. But the more that I talked with her, I learned some interesting things about her. Doris’ husband has terminal cancer. Last February, they gave him three months to live. He’s still alive today. But she hardly leaves his side now, because she is scared that he might die while she is away. Yesterday afternoon, her husband asked if there was any way they could put up a Christmas tree. They hadn’t really planned to with everything going on. He said he really wanted to see a Christmas tree. As any of us would do, Doris hopped in the car to borrow one from a friend who lived just two miles away…just over the highway where we hit her. She was on her way home and was rushing because she just had to get home and get that tree up for her husband. That was when she ran the stop sign, with all of this on her mind, and we ran into her. I was blown away by her story and as I listened to her, a little voice in my head kept saying, “Ask her if you can pray for her and her husband.” I ignored if for quite a while. I have never asked a stranger if I could pray for them, so this was such a strange thought for me. But the more she talked, the louder the voice got and before I knew it, I blurted out the question. She happily agreed. We prayed together, both cried, and when it was time for us to leave, she hugged me for a solid minute or so. The man fixing my car was sweet enough to tow my car there and take Chris’ totaled car back. As we drove away, all I could think about it was what a “God thing” it was. I was supposed to meet Doris. It might’ve started with a scary, dangerous car wreck, but it ended with me being reminded what life is really about and in turn, what Christmas is really about. Doris was rushing home to put up a Christmas tree because that’s the one thing her dying husband wanted. This time of year, we are so bombarded with gifts, getting, and selfishness. It is so easy for all of us to fall into this and I am so grateful to Doris for reminding me that this season is really about other things. It’s about being present and cherishing moments like this… {source} …and this. {source} It’s about hugging our loved ones a little tighter… {source} …and telling them we love them. And most of all, it’s about remembering that Jesus is the reason we have this season at all. Even though we don’t have sweet little ones yet, I found these on Pinterest this morning and think we’ll use one to prepare our hearts as we approach Christmas this year. {source} {source} So, thank you Doris. Thank you for reminding us that this season is not about making lists, receiving presents, or even giving them to others. We’re going to spend this weekend finishing up the decorations at our home and enjoying the season, but most of all, we’re going to enjoy the time with one another and maybe squeeze each other a little tighter too.
Rebecca Cash says December 1, 2012 at 12:40 am Linds I am so glad you are okay. What an amazing story though. God is amazing in how he works in our lives. Love you friend and I’m thanking God tonight for keeping you and Chris safe! Reply
Lorri says December 1, 2012 at 10:35 am This is so powerful! So glad everyone is okay; thanks for sharing this story Reply
Jennifer Dudley says December 2, 2012 at 9:13 am Lindsay….God always amazes me when He takes a situation that could be so horrible and turns it into a DIVINE APPOINTMENT. I am so glad you listened to the Lord and prayed for her. He used you to bless Doris, and what a testimony this story is to all of us!!!! I love when God wants to use little old ME in a situation. Thankful for all of your safety. Loving your Christmas line. Merry Christmas…and keep blogging this southern girl loves it!!!! Reply
Lindsay says December 3, 2012 at 11:24 am Wow, Jennifer, you have no idea how much I needed to hear that! Thank you and you are so right…it was a divine appointment. Reply
Melanie says December 2, 2012 at 8:17 pm This is an absolutely amazing story. I can’t believe that no one was hurt. I’m sorry it took an accident for you and Doris to meet, but thank God everyone was OK. Reply
Kristina says December 4, 2012 at 12:51 am Scary! Accidents are really scary–I’ve had more than my fair share. (Sad to admit.) I’m SO glad you’re all okay!!! And how neat that it turned into a spiritual experience. Reply
Kelly - Talk of the House says December 4, 2012 at 5:42 pm Just now seeing this post, and you are so right. It was a God thing. Timing is EVERYTHING. I am so glad that all of you were safe (but sorry about your cars!) Saying a prayer for Doris’ husband right now. You need to read Christmas Tapestry. Seriously. You need to read it.:) Kelly Reply