Sunday, May 1, a group of 14 Belmont students (most I had never met before) departed from campus at 6 a.m. to Alabama to go sky diving. I was one of three people designated to drive. About 20 minutes in to the trip, I hydroplaned going 70 mph and smashed in to the median. By the grace of God, myself and the three other people who were in my car walked away from the scene with hardly any scratches. As I look back on the accident, the more I realize God's angels were protecting me that morning. If a car had been in the lane to the left of me, if the median had not been there, if I would have smashed into the wall straight on, I'm not sure where I would be right now. All of these "if's" have made me realize how incredibly blessed I am. Although some thought I was crazy, I still went sky diving. After a morning like that, I felt pretty invincible. But as I was talking with my mom about the accident, she made me realize something - I had just conquered two death defying experiences...God must have some major plans for my life. That is pretty awesome!
Along with being thankful for my life, I have been reflecting on my first year of college. First of all, where has it gone? I cannot believe it is almost over. These past nine months I have grown tremendously - God has done some serious work in my heart. This all began with Him placing some incredible people in my life - people who challenge me, people who make me want to be a better person, people who seek after the Lord each and every day that inspire me. The list goes on and on.
As I sit at my desk, still sore from the accident and pretty unmotivated to work on anything finals related, all I can do is thank Jesus for the life He has granted me.
Well, back to studying it is.
Along with being thankful for my life, I have been reflecting on my first year of college. First of all, where has it gone? I cannot believe it is almost over. These past nine months I have grown tremendously - God has done some serious work in my heart. This all began with Him placing some incredible people in my life - people who challenge me, people who make me want to be a better person, people who seek after the Lord each and every day that inspire me. The list goes on and on.
As I sit at my desk, still sore from the accident and pretty unmotivated to work on anything finals related, all I can do is thank Jesus for the life He has granted me.
Well, back to studying it is.
Jess,
ReplyDeleteThe "What ifs" in life can take our breath away. At some point we come to a resolve that God has more plans for us....and our hearts remain thankful for His mercy and grace in our lives. It also makes us realize how fragile life is, and how quickly it can change. Thankfully we know God is ultimately in charge. Glad you and the others are o.k. I have and will continue to pray. Love, Aunt deb..
Jess, this is awesome. I mean, I'm sorry you were in an accident and everything (obviously!), but your conclusion of this accident is awesome. I am so glad you saw it this way! I got into an accident a little while ago also, and I definitely did not see my accident the way you saw yours. Awesome girl. Keep up the positive attitude about life! :) love you girl!
ReplyDeleteHey Jessica!
ReplyDeleteSo I saw your blog on Twitter one time and I read it every so often, and your last post hit really close to home for me. Last August my sister Paige and I were in an accident pretty similar to yours (we also hit a median going 70 mph down the highway), and every feeling you described here I felt too. It's crazy to see how you related yours to your freshman year of college, because even though my accident was before the year and yours was after, I've spent a lot of time reflecting on the same things you wrote here. But you're exactly right when you say God has a reason that you're here. I had to remind myself of that a lot after my accident because sometimes I just got really overwhelmed by it all. But then I would think about how God saved me from all of that, how I'm still here today, and how He simply must have a plan for me. God can use anything to bring glory to Him, including things that seem really hard and overwhelming. It's really encouraging to read your post, especially since I can relate to how you're feeling so much, and I hope you continue to see God working through this. It might take some time, but I am positive that you will see Him work through this all. God is good!