November 21
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the
way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the
left. Isaiah 30:21
It was snowing heavily in the early afternoon, but the streets were clear as I headed to the hospital as quickly as I could. My Dad had called minutes before to tell me my Mother had a stroke. My heart raced as my mind swirled in many direction. Absent mindedly I prayed as I drove into Boston; praying for her, for my Dad, for all of us really, never giving the weather a second thought. Arriving to her room, I was immediately reassured as she looked up at me with a crooked smile. As always, she tried to make me feel better . . . telling me how good I looked and that I shouldn’t have come so far. Although still a bit dazed, she even asked about her grandchildren!
The hours passed quickly, and after checking in with our sitter, I called my husband at work to fill him in. He cautioned me about driving back home for the weather had worsened significantly and the roads were becoming treacherous. Still I was not concerned as I kissed my Mother and Dad goodbye and headed to the parking garage. Once on the road however, I was quickly thrust into reality. I had directions, but the complicated roadway, which I had only been on a few times before, looked completely foreign. The snow, coming down ferociously, was blinding. As my drive continued, cars were stopped on the side of the road and left there, while people walked on. Fortunately, I was able to drive further, all the while praying . . . praying for safety . . . praying for direction . . . and praying for my Mom.
A priest friend of ours had often suggested that we envision Christ beside us at all times, most importantly in times of difficulty. Well I thought, this sure is the time to try this! I came to a fork in the road and horror of horrors, the street signs, covered with snow, were no longer visible! I had no idea which way to go and now, a feeling of panic was beginning to settle upon me. Over and over again in my distress and confusion I pleaded, “Jesus, show me which way I should go!” The choice made, I took that road. Two more times it happened and as I was making another decision while beseeching God’s help, my windshield wipers jammed with snow and stopped! My heart pounded in fear! Will I ever find way home safely? Slowly, slowly my car crawled forward with a small area of windshield clear from the heat of the defroster enabling me to see ahead, all the while I was repeatedly saying, like a demanding three year old, “Jesus, show me the way! Show me the way!” Then the panic began to ease; my body started to relax. Somehow I just knew I would get home o.k. and I found myself thanking God for every small positive occurrence, every tiny sign of any familiarity.
Hours had ticked slowly by and eventually, the sight of our home overjoyed me as I cautiously directed the car into the driveway. I couldn’t wait to embrace my husband and children! Exhausted and relieved for so many reasons, I burst into tears. My God! I made it home, in a blizzard, on an unfamiliar road, street signs obstructed and my windshield wipers stuck! Unbelievable! Unbelievable? No, not in the least. An important lesson in faith was learned that day; nothing is impossible with God beside us showing us the way.
Father God! Thank you for being with us always. Open our ears that we may hear what You have to say!
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the
way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the
left. Isaiah 30:21
It was snowing heavily in the early afternoon, but the streets were clear as I headed to the hospital as quickly as I could. My Dad had called minutes before to tell me my Mother had a stroke. My heart raced as my mind swirled in many direction. Absent mindedly I prayed as I drove into Boston; praying for her, for my Dad, for all of us really, never giving the weather a second thought. Arriving to her room, I was immediately reassured as she looked up at me with a crooked smile. As always, she tried to make me feel better . . . telling me how good I looked and that I shouldn’t have come so far. Although still a bit dazed, she even asked about her grandchildren!
The hours passed quickly, and after checking in with our sitter, I called my husband at work to fill him in. He cautioned me about driving back home for the weather had worsened significantly and the roads were becoming treacherous. Still I was not concerned as I kissed my Mother and Dad goodbye and headed to the parking garage. Once on the road however, I was quickly thrust into reality. I had directions, but the complicated roadway, which I had only been on a few times before, looked completely foreign. The snow, coming down ferociously, was blinding. As my drive continued, cars were stopped on the side of the road and left there, while people walked on. Fortunately, I was able to drive further, all the while praying . . . praying for safety . . . praying for direction . . . and praying for my Mom.
A priest friend of ours had often suggested that we envision Christ beside us at all times, most importantly in times of difficulty. Well I thought, this sure is the time to try this! I came to a fork in the road and horror of horrors, the street signs, covered with snow, were no longer visible! I had no idea which way to go and now, a feeling of panic was beginning to settle upon me. Over and over again in my distress and confusion I pleaded, “Jesus, show me which way I should go!” The choice made, I took that road. Two more times it happened and as I was making another decision while beseeching God’s help, my windshield wipers jammed with snow and stopped! My heart pounded in fear! Will I ever find way home safely? Slowly, slowly my car crawled forward with a small area of windshield clear from the heat of the defroster enabling me to see ahead, all the while I was repeatedly saying, like a demanding three year old, “Jesus, show me the way! Show me the way!” Then the panic began to ease; my body started to relax. Somehow I just knew I would get home o.k. and I found myself thanking God for every small positive occurrence, every tiny sign of any familiarity.
Hours had ticked slowly by and eventually, the sight of our home overjoyed me as I cautiously directed the car into the driveway. I couldn’t wait to embrace my husband and children! Exhausted and relieved for so many reasons, I burst into tears. My God! I made it home, in a blizzard, on an unfamiliar road, street signs obstructed and my windshield wipers stuck! Unbelievable! Unbelievable? No, not in the least. An important lesson in faith was learned that day; nothing is impossible with God beside us showing us the way.
Father God! Thank you for being with us always. Open our ears that we may hear what You have to say!
Copyright© 2013 Kathleen A. Matson