We are all tested differently in the same moment

I was driving somewhere an hour away from my home. The freeway I have to take is notorious for crazy, reckless drivers so I am usually extra careful.

Halfway to my destination, the car in front of me slowed down and put on his hazard lights- there seemed to be something up ahead. I did the same. The car behind me slowed down too. Then I heard a screech.

The car behind him was driving at a dangerously high speed and evidently did not see that everyone in front of him had slowed down and come to a stop. He crashed straight into the car behind me, that hit me from the force of the impact.

After that it was chaos - multiple cars screeching, swerving, hitting each other at a dizzyingly fast pace. Car parts flying in the air. Broken glass on the road. People stuck in their cars because the damage from the accident trapped them inside. I watched it all in slow motion as I was stuck in the middle.

Miraculously, and all praise is to God, my car came away with only a big dent and some scratches. I was unharmed.

It was surreal in one sense, but a chilling reminder in another sense. It made me think of so many things:

1) Circumstances can change in one moment: All of our future plans can become nothing. These close calls are a reminder, and what actually matters is what we did in the lead up to that moment. Did I pray well? Was I good to my family? Was I gracious and generous to people? We really do not know when our last moment will be.

2) We are all tested in different ways: In that one moment, some were simply passersby. Others almost lost their lives and sustained serious injuries. Others lost material goods. And some of us got away with some scratches.

This is the nature of our being in this world - and there is a wisdom in each of these tests for each individual. And we should never take for granted where we are, and know that our positions can be switched in an instant. So be grateful when you are spared a bigger test and extend good to someone who needs it.

3) There is beauty and good even in the midst of chaos: The immediacy in which people stopped to help, to check up on everyone, and to assist those who were injured was overwhelming. There was so much kindness and care from strangers. Look for the good in your test.

4) It is easy to forget: Tests force us to come face to face with our mortality, and with our utter need for God. Blessings, on the other hand, can make us forget. You can come away from a life-threatening situation and forget about it an hour later, taking your very breath for granted.

Finally, always praise God in all circumstances, be with Him, show love and goodness to people, and take the lessons wherever you find yourself.

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A faith filled with beauty