Careful

“Sssscrreeecchhhhh!!!” That ‘s the only sound I heard as I stepped hard on my breaks and breathtakingly hoped that I could stop before it’s too late.

The road was clear, it was about 10:15 in the evening yesterday on my way home after our dgroup. I was driving silently and noticed a motorcycle a few meters ahead from my right side. On my left were policemen who stand by at that familiar site as they attend to their usual duty of randomly checking and inspecting the vehicles. The motorcycle in front of me suddenly slowed down, I was on my normal speed until I noticed a signboard in the middle of the road! My initial reflex was to turn right so as not to hit the signage but all of a sudden the motorcycle (now in front of me!!!) was turning left without any signal!!! I stepped as hard as I can on my breaks. ”SScccrreeeeccchhh!!!” My tires stopped before my car hit the motorcycle.

The Sunday incident is still very fresh. On our way home from church, we had an accident. I was the one driving. I was moving on the other side of the road because my mother needs to buy something for tatay. Slowly I pulled over to the left side, with my signal on, when all of a sudden we heard a loud “crraaaassshhh!!!” half-way my turn. I looked at my side mirror and saw a motorcycle at our back. I didn’t know if I will go out from the car (probably I was praying that we can go home immediately and this is not happening). My brother approached the driver of that motorcycle who had bruises on his arms and leg, and a deep violet mark on his face. He has no helmet and the front of his motor was severely damaged. A few minutes later, I stepped out of the car and went to the man. I asked him, “Ano po ba?” (Ano po ba nangyari? Ano po ba gagawin natin? These were actually the questions in my mind). The man said, “Ok na yung sasakyan, tulungan mo na lang akong magpagamot.” I haven’t given him a direct answer, I just said that we’ll call the police so the incident can be investigated.

In both incidents, naramdaman ko ang nginig sa katawan ko. I don’t know what to do, whom to call, how to get out of it. Last night, I cried, I forced myself to let out the tears because deep inside I was very, very scared. Kinakausap ko si God, “Bakit naman ganun? Bakit ang bilis naman ng repeat? Sunday and then Tuesday?" I needed to say that, I have to let it out.

And in both incidents, I experienced how real God is, how faithful He is with His words, how He protects His children. Sunday accident didn’t cause any harm to my family, all was safe. With me were my two 6-year old and 1 year old nephews, my 8th month pregnant sister in law, my 72-year old mom, my teenager niece, my eldest sister and brother. A little bent damaged my father’s car, but I consider it very minimal. Last night’s was God’s hand in action. I drove home as if nothing happened. My prayer for safety is even intensified and I could say I am more careful now with my driving. I told God to help me focus on His character and His grace because there were negative things that are running through my mind. I remember the testimony from that Sunday preaching, I told God that I want the same peace, the peace that transcends all understanding. I had a good night sleep for I know God granted my prayer.

I remember that I prayed to have an encounter with God because I can feel that my spirit is getting weak. If only we can choose the encounters we could have just to make our spirit alive and passionate again. Now I get the point, be careful with what you’re asking for. Hahaha.

I don’t like motorcycles, just by seeing them, I can feel the risks and dangers along the road. But whenever I see a motorcycle, it also reminds of someone. And because of the two incidents… is God trying to humor me? LOL