When your life flashes before your eyes, what do you do? For me, I write. Writing is my way of processing and reflecting—it’s a piece of who I am. While I’m not a paid writer yet, I know this is my calling.
Earlier today, my son and I had a harrowing experience that reminded me just how fragile life is. We were driving home from a car show where we’d been filming. Sandy and Katelynn stayed home since it was only a short 40-minute trip.
Cruising at around 55 to 60 MPH, we approached a green light. We had the full right of way, but I felt a nudge, almost like a whisper, saying, Watch those cars. Ahead of us, vehicles from the opposite direction were turning left one by one. Most had enough time to make it before we reached the intersection.
As we neared the light, one car turned through, followed by a truck. The truck had no business making that turn, yet he went for it. Then, realizing his mistake, he stopped or at least it felted like he stopped—right in our path. Time seemed to slow down as I slammed on the brakes. Our car began sliding sideways toward the truck. At the last second, we narrowly missed colliding with its rear.
As the car swung in the opposite direction, I stayed calm and straightened us out. We pulled over a little further down the road, my heart pounding. I took a deep breath, looking at my son and realizing how close we had come to disaster. We were seconds away from what could have been a fatal impact. In our small car, a collision with that pickup truck might have been catastrophic.
When it was over, all I could think was, That was close. Too close. I truly believe God nudged me to pay extra attention. If I hadn’t been watching more closely, we might not be here right now. I called Sandy immediately to let her know what had happened. She was relieved, thanking God that we were safe.
Life is Fragile
None of us know the day God will bring us home. For my son and me, it wasn’t that today, and I’m profoundly grateful. This close call was a stark reminder of how fleeting life is. It made me ask myself, Am I doing everything I can with the time I’ve been given?
James 4:14 reminds us, “You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” Life is short, and we must make the most of it.
I’ve just recently started wholeheartedly pursuing God’s calling on my life again. This experience was a wake-up call. What if things had gone differently? What if this had been my last day? The thought is sobering. It’s easy to put off living with purpose, thinking we’ll have time later. But the truth is, tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Lessons From the Experience
- Listen to the Nudges
- That small voice telling me to watch the cars wasn’t just a coincidence. I believe it was God’s way of protecting us. Learning to listen to those nudges, whether they’re subtle or loud, can make all the difference in life. Spend time in prayer and scripture to sharpen your ability to discern God’s voice. John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”
- Have you ever felt a nudge or whisper that you ignored, only to regret it later? Take a moment to reflect on how you can tune in better to these moments of divine guidance.
- Stay Calm in the Storm
- When things started spiraling out of control, I stayed calm. Panicking would have made things worse. Whether it’s a physical danger or a life challenge, staying calm and focused can help you navigate through safely. One practical way to develop this skill is to cultivate a habit of prayer and mindfulness before storms hit. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- How do you respond to challenges in your life? Consider creating a “storm plan”—a strategy for staying grounded in faith when life gets chaotic.
- Life is Short—Make it Count
- This close call reminded me that life is precious and fleeting. None of us know how much time we have, so we need to make every moment count. Don’t wait for “someday” to start living out your purpose. Take intentional steps now, however small, to align your life with God’s calling. Ephesians 5:15-16 urges us, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
- What’s one thing you’ve been putting off that you can start today? Commit it to God and take the first step.
Reflections and Challenges
- Are You Living with Purpose?
- What are you doing with the time you’ve been given? Are you pursuing the passions God has placed in your heart, or are you holding back out of fear or doubt? For me, this experience reignited my passion for living a life of inspiration, faith, and purpose.
- Take five minutes to journal your purpose. Ask yourself: What is God calling me to do? What steps can I take today to move closer to that?
- Your Obedience Matters
- Your story is connected to others’ miracles. When you obey God’s calling, it can set off a chain reaction that impacts lives you may never even meet. Don’t let selfishness or fear stop you from answering that call. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
- Reflect on someone who has inspired you by their obedience to God. What impact did they have on your life, and how can you pass that on to others?
- What Legacy Will You Leave?
- If today were your last day, what would your legacy be? Are you leading a life that inspires others to grow closer to God, to step into their purpose, and to live with passion? Proverbs 27:17 teaches us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
- Write down three words that you hope will define your legacy. Then, think of one small way to start embodying those traits today.
Moving Forward
This experience has left me more determined than ever to lead a life of passion, inspiration, and faith. I want to inspire others to do the same. Since I’ve gotten back on track with God and my calling, I’ve seen at least five people I know personally start to pursue their own paths with renewed purpose. That’s what happens when we step into obedience—our actions ripple outward.
Life is short. Let this be your wake-up call, as it was mine. Don’t wait for tomorrow to start pursuing the life God is calling you to live. Yes, it’s scary. Yes, it takes faith. But the alternative—staying where you are—means missing out on the incredible journey God has planned for you.
So, what will you do? Will you stay where you are, or will you take that first step toward the life you know God is leading you to? The choice is yours.