Before I get started on my story, I have to ask you to listen to this music video first.  Or better yet, have it playing in the background while you read so you can fully understand.

On Tuesday night, I was driving home from a very long, full day with Issa asleep in the back of the car.  I was listening to this particular song while I was driving because it was on my birth playlist, and up until that moment I just loved it because it was a beautiful song.  My mind was drifting, thinking of all the things left to do that night, and still to come for the next day.

Out of nowhere, a car swerved into the lane in front of me and slammed on his brakes.  I was in the far left lane, so driving rather fast, and of course had to slam on mine in response as well.  The car behind me reacted just in time and narrowly missed crashing into my bumper.  The vehicle who started this chain reaction simply sped off, and I have no idea if he was drunk, or distracted, or what on earth might have caused him to do such a thing.

So, in the end, nothing happened, but a few seconds later, as this song continued to play, I had this overwhelming feeling that I was protected in that moment.  That Someone was looking out for me.  Tears started to well in my eyes and then flow down my face as I thought about how terrible an accident could have been, with my little one blissfully unaware in her car seat.  Who knows how many times I’ve been near tragedy and God has kept me safe from harm? I don’t care what you call it, to me that was a divine moment of heavenly protection.

better than a hallelujah

As Amy Grant continued to sing softly, I then thought about all the areas of life she’s talking about in this song.  How broken we are in life, how many things we can take to God, and He’s always there.  And even if we don’t, even if we hold back, He still protects us and loves us beyond measure.  I don’t deserve God’s favor, and yet He still chooses to keep my family and I safe from harm, blessed with good health and happiness.

So I’m writing this to say thank you, to acknowledge that I am grateful.  I’m not perfect, but I am trying to be my best self.  Amy Grant might even say that’s better than a hallelujah.  But I’m also writing this so that when moments like mine happen to you, you might take an extra second to realize the significance.  The close call.  The what ifs.  And then realize Who is guiding you down this road called life.  We may stumble and trip, but if we keep moving forward that is definitely better than a hallelujah.

XO,

A