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Tow Truck Theology
The light turned green, and I hesitated — prompted, I’m certain, by some angelic whisper. No sooner did I inch out than a drunk driver going 65 mph (the posted limit was 35 mph) blasted through the intersection — and right through the engine compartment of my Toyota Sienna.
I’m OK. Beyond belief, I walked away from the accident. But I’m finding it takes a while to sweep up all the physical, financial, and emotional debris that comes with an event like this.
So now I’m driving my mother’s ‘92 Buick while I get insurance worked out — and (sigh) I’m selling my 1965 Mustang so I can replace the totaled minivan.
OK. Battery on the Buick goes out yesterday, and there’s something wrong with the hood, so I can’t get it open to jump the car. Reader beware — here comes a parable:
1st AAA vehicle is operated by a Christian (he volunteers this information when he notices we’re in a seminary parking lot) … he offers me a bottle of water ‘cause it’s low 90s and the sun is blazing. But when he can’t figure out how to get the hood up, he says he’s got too many calls waiting and he’s going to have to call a tow truck. Gone.
2nd AAA vehicle (the tow truck) is driven by a Harley t-shirt wearing, chain-smoking, good-ole-boy … it never occurs to me to ask about his worldview motivation (I know that makes me a slacker); still, he just exudes that religion-is-for-wusses ethos. At any rate, he sizes up the situation and says, “Dude, I’m going to get you out of here without a tow.” After some fiddling, he figures out he can unscrew the front grille and manually get the hood up … jumps the battery and he’s off. With what I hope he would consider a worthy tip.
There’s been much to ponder in the last two weeks: the promise that all our days are numbered (Ps 139:16), the reality of “ministering spirits” (Heb 1:14), the strength of Toyota safety-technology — and then yesterday’s little window into the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Glad to hear you’re unscathed. The pic of wreckage is sobering (no pun intended). Good window on the parable too.
Comment by garver — October 4, 2007 @ 1:40 pm
Hang in there brother. I can assure you that you were not the only one shaken up by this. Many students and acquaintances who have profited from being exposed to your teaching, music, and demeanor were rattled as well. I thank God for his uncommon (yet all too common) protection that day.
Nahum 1.7
Jason
Comment by Jason Foster — October 8, 2007 @ 10:37 am
Whoa. Bud. What a story.
Glad to hear you’re o.k. But SOOO sorry to hear about the ’65. Gulp.
Such moments of clarity have an amazing way of reminding us of what’s truly valuable.
And yup . . . the best up close and personal revisiting of that samaritan fellow I’ve heard in a long while.
Sorry you had to live it . . . and thanks to you for sharing it.
And God bless that Harley guy!
dh
Comment by darrell a. harris — October 10, 2007 @ 9:16 am
I am excited by your parable.
I also laugh because I have a 92 Buick and when I had to get it jumped a couple years ago, I couldn’t get the hood up. I have figured the hood out by now, but harder to figure out is how often my heart is like the pharisee when I see an image of god in need…
Luke Welch
Comment by Luke Welch — October 10, 2007 @ 10:41 am
Great parable, Reggie! Don and I enjoyed reading this tonight. We are so grateful you were spared and we were given the gift of having you around. We also thought about you this evening while Ninja Warrior was on.
Comment by Vicki — October 10, 2007 @ 10:34 pm
Sometimes it’s quite humbling to see who God chooses and uses to minister to us, especially when it’s wrapped in what we least expect.
Comment by Scott — October 29, 2007 @ 2:36 pm