Will this be the last Christmas?: A wooden cross on the highway
Pastor Bob Tousey
A few weeks ago, I was a passenger in a car traveling on northbound Interstate
95 approaching the exit for Route 100 in Howard County, Maryland. As I was
looking upon the grassy median, I started to wonder—why wasn't there a wooden
cross situated on the side of the road with my name on it? I realize to some;
this might appear to be a strange question-- mainly since I am alive, and a
wooden cross often represents a scene of a fatal car accident. Being alive at that moment, for
me, was indeed a mystery.
So, please, allow me to
rewind time for just a moment as I explain an incident that occurred on October 8, 2017, at about 8:30 p.m. On this evening, I was driving my car on 95 North. All of the sudden, for reasons unknown, my car went out
of control (we have since learned my front driver's side tire blew). The next memory is of a paramedic treating me. It all happened in a
matter of seconds, I had just gotten on 95, and I was traveling at the posted
speed limit, and the road was clear. Despite traveling the speed limit and
having a clear roadway, my car was spinning out of control, and my last memory was
a white SUV passing me. My only thought was "this is not going to end
well." I do not recall impact or being extracted from my car, but I do
recall that brief moment of clarity in the ambulance. This brief moment
of allowed me the opportunity to identify a familiar face of the paramedic
treating me. I recalled her face from my previous ministry as a Chaplain
for the Howard Country Fire and Rescue. Just as quickly as I regained
consciousness, I lost it again, only to wake up at the University of Maryland
Shock Trauma.
As I had awakened again,
I was greeted by a Maryland State Trooper. I was very disoriented, but
the conversation with the trooper I recall very well. The trooper
commented that he was happy to have the ability to speak with me. You see, the
trooper explained that from the appearance of the accident scene he did not
think I was going to be alive. From the pictures, it was evident this
accident was significant, but fortunately for me, I only sustained six broken
bones, and I was spared from having any permeant injuries. The best news of all
is that my injuries did not require surgery. However, my injuries were severe
enough that I was admitted for five weeks of medical treatment and
rehabilitation.
After speaking to my
pastor on the phone, I explained to him that Jesus stood
between me and the tractor trailer. My pastor being the clever and quick-witted
person that he is stated, "You should have let Jesus drive." If,
I may, please let me share some of the history of my pastor's statement.
For those that are not familiar, this accident was not the first time I had
dodged death or serious injury. You see, twenty years earlier—just a few miles
away from the above location on Route 100 West, I was travelling in a car on westbound route 100, and I saw a car from the eastbound side jump over the median and into
westbound traffic. My initial thought was that death was on the horizon, so I
closed my eyes, I held on tight and uttered to myself, "Jesus, help
me." Jesus responded by diverting the collision and my life was spared. As
I describe this experience, I always refer to Carrie Underwood's song, Jesus
take the wheel, and fortunately for me "Jesus, took the
wheel." Jesus is the only way to explain how this potential tragedy was
avoided. My testimony concerning this experience is available on You Tube at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AabAbkWSamI.
I must wonder--why God
chose to spare me on multiple occasions, yet others are not so blessed. I may
never know the exact reason why, but as we are taught in the Book of Job, only
God sees the whole picture and has a complete understanding of His plan. Often,
we may never understand why life unfolds the way it does, but I have to
remember that God has a plan and a purpose for my life, and all of our lives.
All I can do is be open to that plan and be willing to do what God calls me to
do. I pray each day for the Holy Spirit to guide me towards that plan and for
the ability to carry it out in a manner that honors and glorifies God.
I began this story by
sharing how God has shown me grace and mercy throughout my life. I am far from
a perfect person and have fallen to temptation, but each time God has extended
me grace. For this, I am eternally grateful. I recognize that each day is a
gift from God and that I must treasure it as such. May God bless each of you
reading this, and I encourage you to improve those strained relationships in
your life and to use this Christmas season as a time to repair those
relationships, while you have the opportunity. Most importantly, invite loved
ones over, hug them, and tell them how much you love them. One thing I realize,
more so, than ever is that this life can change in a second. Don't live it with
regrets, because you never took the opportunity to repair those relationships.
I say this with all sincerity that you cannot take life for granted because
this might be the last opportunity you have to celebrate Christmas with them.
Celebrate the birth of Jesus by reconciling with others, show them love and
grace. God bless each of you and have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year.
