Perfect Day/Disaster Day

My dear husband, Blake, shared this story during his Sunday morning message:

It was the summer between second and third grade. He awakened that morning to what he described as the perfect day. The sun was shining and he had no worries, no responsibilities, and no problems. As eight year old boys were prone to do, he rushed through breakfast and raced out the door and down the street to spend a day of adventure with his best friend, John. Their favorite place to explore was a nearby creek. They would use sticks, weeds, and rocks to try to dam up the water and make a small swimming hole or spend hours searching for treasure.

On this particularly perfect day, treasure to these eight-year-old boys was an enormous bull frog! However, neither of them had anything with which to catch it. John looked at Blake and said, “Run up to the road and look for a cup.” The “road” was a state route which connected neighboring communities, with a speed limit of 50 mph. Blake ran up the hill, and carefully remembered all of his mom’s cautions about crossing the road. He looked one direction and then the other, then back and forth as he crossed. He searched and searched, but there was nothing to be found.

With a bit of frustration, he turned around and began to run back to John and the treasured bull frog. How quickly a perfect day can turn into a disaster…

All he remembers is a flash of red. Impact with a red sedan left Blake with a severely broken leg, a broken arm, a dangerous concussion, and several months in the hospital and physical therapy. The neighbor girl who witnessed the accident ran to his home, and hurried into the kitchen where she proclaimed to his mom, “Mrs. Wolf, Blake has been hit by a car and he is dead on the road!” How thankful I am that she had overstated the situation!

You know, some days we awaken to what seems like a perfect day and we sense God’s loving presence in everything. But sometimes, a perfect day collides with disaster. I am so thankful for the reminder that whether my day seems perfect or far from it, the Lord is my constant companion. His precious Holy Spirit whispers words of comfort and encouragement at those moments when I need them most. He helps me to raise songs of praise when joy flows freely from my lips, and to speak words of thanksgiving when I am frantically searching for the good in pain.

 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. Psalm 73:23-26,28

3 Responses to Perfect Day/Disaster Day
  1. Staci
    August 12, 2010 | 12:17 pm

    Deb, what a great reminder that God lovingly cares for us – even in the midst of disaster days. This was so comforting! Thank you –

  2. Barbie
    August 12, 2010 | 9:19 pm

    I am so thankful for God’s protection and that He is always watching over us. We never know what our day will bring, but we can rest assured He will never leave us nor forsake us!

  3. Deb
    August 12, 2010 | 10:00 pm

    Hi Barbie and Staci, The Lord’s presence and protection is what affords us the peace that passes understanding. I am sometimes overwhelmed when I think of the strength He has given to us during our most difficult moments. Thanks for your encouragement. Blessings to you both!