Fender Benders
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Well, I had a minor fender bender last night. I feel as stupid as a slug under a rock for having hit the car in front of me as I skidded to a stop at the red light. It was totally my fault and I have no good reason for causing the accident other than I was driving home after a twelve hour work day, exhausted, and apparently not as focused as I should have been behind the wheel.
The good news is that no one was injured, and there was only minor damage to both bumpers. No air bags deployed and it was a fairly innocent car accident as car accidents go.
It was not my first fender bender, and it probably won’t be my last. And though I should be thankful for all the blessings, which I am, I am also frustrated by the reality of having caused the accident in the first place.
Fender benders happen whether or not you are in a car. At times, I cause fender benders with my big mouth by saying something out loud that probably should have been kept in the silence of my own head. I speak without thinking, and bump right into the feelings of those around me.
How many times have I wished upon a star that I could rewind my words and take them all back? Even as they are coming out of my mouth, I am wishing that I would stop. It’s like skidding to a stop light and hitting the car in front of you, you see it coming, and are powerless to avoid the fender bender.
I like to think of myself as a kind person. I hope I am a kind person. And yet, I can easily hurt someone’s feelings by what I say or even by what is left unsaid. And when someone else hurts my feelings, I jump to my own defense and fight right back.
I guess human nature is that way, though that should not be an easy excuse.
Words are powerful things, much more powerful than a two ton minivan coming at your rear bumper, skidding to a stop with screeching tires. Think about the words that have changed your life. Single words which are powerful enough to make you stop in your tracks.
Love. Marriage. Pregnant. Divorce. Died. Forgiveness.
Single words can change your life forever. Positive words can heal. Hurtful words can destroy. I don’t always get it right, but I am going to try to use words to bless rather than to hurt.
I started my day by calling my insurance agent to report the fender bender from last night, and I was so embarrassed to make that call. I am very thankful that no one was hurt last night, and am thankful that we have insurance to help with any repairs we may have on our minivan and the nice lady’s rear bumper I dented.
It was not my first fender bender, and it probably won’t be my last.
I only wish I had kindness insurance for when my words bump into other people’s lives.
Posted by Trish Berg 5:00 AM
1 Comment:
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8:24 AM
I too am sorry you had a minor accident and can identify with the "fender benders" in life. Last night my 17 yo son and I had an altercation. It began with a discussion on finances and how much he owes and then ended with bad name calling to me. Just not a good situation. I will pray for you and you pray for me that "fences and fenders" can be mended. They don't come with instruction books, unfortunately!
