Little Reminders

So I've not really made a secret of the fact that I HATE winter driving.

And this isn't really a great year to be in that position. You know - in the coldest, most snow-filled winter we've seen in a long time - when I work an hour from home. It's a bit of an interesting combo.

I refuse to drive the interstate in this kind of weather. It's too unpredictable. There's something about flying down a road at 70 miles an hour with semis all around and crazy drivers in "invincible" four wheel drive vehicles that just makes me squirm. I'd rather be on a smaller highway where folks are likely to drive more slowly and at least I can pull over or turn on a side road if I need to.

When I came home yesterday afternoon, I had every intention of coming home the back way. Every intention. I'd heard there was an accident on the interstate not far from where I enter, and I had no desire to sit in that traffic. But as I drove over the interstate, I noticed the traffic flowing freely - and I was so anxious to be home, so I pulled out my bravest inner Bekah and pointed my car toward the interstate.

The road seemed fine. It looked clear and cars flew along beside me. I settled in...and just about the time I got comfortable, I saw this:

The unmistakable sign of an issue.

Three miles from an exit...no idea what's ahead, how far away it is or how bad it is.

Why is it that NOTHING makes you have to use the bathroom like that particular situation?

I heard sirens on the other side of the interstate. Fire trucks made their way to the next exit so they could turn around and come back. That meant it had just happened...

Why, oh why  oh why had I not listened to my gut and gone home the back way?

I got closer and saw the mess:

 A camper on its top - and I never did see the vehicle that matched it.

And then another on its side - along with the accompanying vehicle.

No idea how it all happened, but I heard on the radio that black ice was probably a factor.

I slowed down...and as I made my way carefully forward, I saw this:

A beautiful end to a rainbow...a reminder of God's covenant with His people.

Thankful this day - and every day in this season - for His protection over this scared girl as she commutes.

And praying for the folks in this pile-up in northern Indiana:

 

Source

Be safe out there, my friends. It's a messy winter.