The car swerved...

 

Looking back I noticed the driver, a woman with a startled look on her face. The bump-bump of her passenger tire told me she had gotten a flat fast.

We were on the way to church. It was cold. Two weeks ago my brother-in-law was hit by a driver under the influence while helping an older man change a tire.

I didn't want to stop.

But that nudge (you know the one) kept coming.

So I told my husband I thought we should turn around. 

We went back to find her surveying the damage. My husband added a spare while she and I made small talk as we waited.

I wish I could tell you it felt amazing but I'd by lying—it just felt freezing and awkward.

Turns out being a good Samaritan isn't as glamorous as it sounds in that story.

But somehow it felt more like Christmas as we drove away.

After all, isn't that what it's all about? God letting us interrupt Him..sending His Son to the earth to save us. We're all stranded on the side of life's highway with a deflated heart before He comes along.

I'd forgotten. And that woman on the highway helped me remember what matters most this time of year—not the busyness, gift-shopping, go-go-going.

I thought pulling over was about being sidetracked. 

Turns out it was about getting back on track.  

We changed her tire...she changed my perspective.

You decide which one is the greater gift.  

Thank you, stranger.

Thank you, Jesus.

 

What helps you refocus during the busy Christmas season?

Subscribe by Email

Share |

Comments

[Cindy]

THANK YOU, HOLLEY!

What a great reminder of what the season is really all about! Praise God! God bless you for sharing your heart with us!

Because of Jesus,
Cindy

[Cassandra Frear]

Loved it. Tweeted it.

God is good.

[~Grace & Peace]

Love this - "I thought pulling over was about being sidetracked.
Turns out it was about getting back on track. "

God moments are awesome.

For this year, I have decided to give meaningful gifts to the kids in our family. I found a book on christianbook.com called "Letters to His Mighty Warrior" or something like that - I can't remember since I bought it a few months ago. I'm giving those to my nephews and the other boys in the family. It's not a Nintendo game so I don't know how that will go over. But I thought it's more important that they have an awareness of their worth in the kingdom of God than a new high score on a video game.

I'm also in the midst of the Koinonia class with Chuck Missler. We're on week 2 and it goes for 12 weeks. Plus I'm joining the chronological bible study over at Wendy Pope's blog.

[deb @ talk at the table]

It is awkward sometimes. But's it's still right.
I think by doing my own little advent thing, I am stepping out of my comfort zone, and learning humility. And that's good too.

[Katie]

:0)-AWESOME

[Sandy]

Dear Holley,
Thank you so much for reminding us what is important, not only this time of year but every day of the year..To stay on track this year....I am giving a "Princess Party" to all of the 6 to 9 year old girls in my church. Each little girl will come dressed as a princess...crown and all....for you see, I intend to tell them that each of them is God's little princess. It will be great fun with cups and saucers for a "proper" tea. I think all little girls need to know that they are already princesses...GOD'S PRINCESSES!!! God bless you!! Sandy

[Yolanda]

Holley - Hello again...thank you for the blog posting and for your help last week. I am getting the help I need and I feel as if I am a new person. It reminds me of the "Footprints" poem about how He carries us in our times of need. Thank you!

[Maria Jones-Davidson]

Hi Holley, This is a great reminder for all of us not to forget to listen to the nudge God is giving at times when people are in great need. I experienced something like this awhile ago. It was raining and I just hopped out of the a bus, an older lady struggled with her trolley full of shopping. I also had my bags with shopping. She was also on the same bus as I was. The driver pushed her trolley out & fell flat on the concrete road side. I felt terrible because one of the wheels of the trolley came off. I called out to the driver to help the lady fix the wheel. He did and I found myself pushing the trolley for the lady's sake. She could not speak any English and I gestured that I will help her cross the road if she needed further help from me. She just No! It felt really awkward and my hands were very tired because of my own shopping and trying to help push her trolley at the same time & it was raining. Anyway, I said God bless you & she left & I felt good. No, definitely not glamorous at all but I felt the love of God was there. Thank you for your continued act of kindness and beautiful examples you always show to us ladies. Praying that you and those you love will have a tremendous time together at Christmas and in the coming new year. God bless you!

[cathleen johnson]

When my kids were small, they kept me focus because I was teaching them about our Father, His Son, and Holy Spirit. They have grown up and now it is my granddaughter whom I'm teaching. Actually teaching is not the correct word...sharing is. I share(d) with them the wonder of FatherGod's love that He would give His Son to all, of Jesus' love that He would leave heaven for us all knowing what was down the road, and the joy of the Holy Spirit stirring up John in his mother's womb upon hearing the voice of Mary. And then there are the quiet moments when I sense His presence in my spirit.

[Ann Voskamp@Holy Experience]

You words are always a gift to me...
He uses them to get me back on track.

*Thank you, sweet friend*...

All's grace,
Ann

[Jennifer]

I love your story Holley! God's messages and blessings come in such unexpected packages!

[Rebecca]

Thank-you for this story, for the reminder of what the season is all about.

[Bonnie Gray]

Oh, Holley. You faith is so encouraging. Challenged by your walk. Remembering your words today...

[Sherri-Dawn]

Hi Holly - I had a similar experience except I was the one who had the accident (I blogged about it here:http://sherri-dawn.blogspot.com/2009/12/all-that-matters.html)

Isn't it true that God always finds a way to focus us in on what really matters?

God bless.
Sherri-Dawn

[Jennifer @ Getting Down With Jesus]

Oh my -- Beautiful story, told so skillfully through your words. My, my, my ...

[Candace]

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing. I feel "awkward" in a lot of situations too...but your story has inspired me to keep going. That IS what it's all about!!