I Almost Died Today

Yes, you read that right. I almost died today. I did something stupid on the spur of the moment and it almost resulted in my death. I still haven’t stopped shaking.

I was driving into town when I saw something I was sure had blown off my husband’s truck, one of his scarecrow balloons he uses in our blueberry patch. I decided I’d stop and get it so I turned around, parked my vehicle and walked toward the balloon. There is a small hill on the highway and as I crossed to get the balloon a navy vehicle ( I couldn’t tell if it was a truck or a car) popped over the rise. It was flying straight at me and I instantly started to run to avoid being hit. But I stumbled.

I managed to catch my footing (or Jesus lifted me up) and I made it to the other side of the road.

Here’s what I learned…

1. Sometimes it’s better to let things go.
I almost got killed over a stupid balloon. It wasn’t worth it but I didn’t want to give up something that I was sure belonged to me (or my husband). 
And there have been other times in my life when I have held on to things when I shouldn’t have. Grudges, anger, regret, fear, anxiety, sorrow, if it isn’t faith, hope or love..it isn’t worth it.
Let. It. Go.

2. Tell the people you love that you love them 
Every. Single. Day.

3. You never know just what is over the horizon.
It could be something good. It could be something bad. It could be eternity. Be ready. 

4. The first thing I did when I didn’t get hit was say, “Thank you, Jesus” and the second thing I did was shake and cry (my usual response to trauma). Contrary to what some folks experience, my life did not flash before my eyes. Maybe because I was moving too fast. I didn’t know this old body could still move like my pants were on fire! Pretty sure I was running faster than Usain Bolt!

I try to always have a grateful heart but this was a reminder of “here today and gone tomorrow” so be grateful for each moment, each day, and every birthday (even the ones with zeros after them).

Thanks for reading and one last thing. Buckle up and slow down. Especially when there are yard sales going on. You just never know what (or who) might run out in front of you.

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