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January 2nd.
2008
YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN
It was the day after Christmas, and
while I usually avoid the post-holiday-sales, I was seduced by some
incredible markdowns at one of my favorite sport stores. As I was
driving out of the parking lot, a little disappointed that the promised
bargains were not that great, I had one of those moments.
I was second in line to pull out into ongoing traffic. I was
approximately 3 to 4 feet behind the car in front of me. When I saw the
car in front of me unexpectedly begin to back up. I immediately honked
my horn, checked my mirrors and put my car in reverse. Fortunately the
oncoming car stopped short of my front bumper. The bad news is there was
a small sports car less than a foot behind me in my blind spot.
Aware that I did not even put my foot on my accelerator, and since it
felt nothing more than a tap, I got out of my car with the hope and
expectation that all would be fine. Well…that depends on how you define
“fine.”
The college-age driver of the other car appeared to be very low-key as
he approached the point of impact. His father on the other hand was
anything but low-key! He immediately got in my face shouting that I
should have looked behind me before I back up. Before I could explain
about the car that was backing in to me, he demanded I give him my phone
number and insurance card. Frankly, it was one of those moments where I
wanted to “return fire” as it were. Yet, in a moment of grace I calmly
walked over to retrieve my insurance information.
Returning to the rear of my car I quickly checked, and was happy to see
that there was virtually no damage to my car. I then glanced at the
other vehicle. There was in fact a small scratch on his bumper. Handing
him my information on a sheet of paper, I asked if he would provide the
same for me. “Why would I give you any information, you hit my son's
car!”
Taking my information he then responded, “I want to actually see your
insurance card.” He theN proceeded to call my cell phone number to make
sure that it, too, was not falsified information. Now really wanting to
give him both barrels, fortunately, God's grace prevailed once again as
I stated, “You provide all of your information to me, and I'll provide
all my information to you, and then we'll let our insurance companies
figure it out.”
After a momentary stare down, which appeared to be incredibly
embarrassing for his on- looking son, the man ordered his son to provide
me with the information. Interestingly, less than an hour later the
gentleman called me to inform me that the damages were $1600.00 and was
I interested in paying him in cash!
As we begin the Epiphany season we will once again focus on how our Lord
is made known to us, and through us to others. My unfortunate incident
and the ensuing confrontation, made me painfully aware you never know
when God may call upon us to do so.
Blessings,
The Rev. Brian N. Prior, Rector
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