It was raining and we were laughing as we began our trek to the car. I was holding my coat up high over my head with one hand while the other held a cup of hot chocolate. When the light changed I began to jog across the street. My daughter yelled to me, but I didn’t answer. The puddles were everywhere; she’d have to wait until I made it across to get my attention.
This was my mistake.
Because the next thing I knew-thud, thud, thud, thud, thud; I was rolling across the street. Shocked and confused, minutes later I stood up and said to my daughter, “I think I just got hit my a car.” As if she didn’t know. As if she didn’t try to stop me. As if she didn’t witness the entire scene.
How does one manage to get hit by a car you ask? Standing on the street corner, when the “Walk” sign lit up, I quickly headed across due to the weather. The rain, my coat and being blind in my left eye surely all played a part in my not seeing this car turning right and toward me. I don’t know why the driver did not see me. Was she texting? Was she changing her radio station? Was her mind a million miles away? I’ll never know because I did not ask. I was lucky: I had no broken bones, no concussion, just a few scrapes and scratches. The chronic hip pain came later.
I’ll never forget what when through my head after I got hit by that car. I thought:
Wow, I could have died.
Wow, everything can change in an instant.
Wow, I waste a lot of life energy on stupid stuff.
Later that night, curled up on the couch in front of the fire, I decided stupid stuff does not deserve my attention. There are really only a few things in life that matter, and much that doesn’t.
An aggravating co-worker isn’t worth getting aggravated over.
A messy house matters very, very little. It will eventually get cleaned.
A rude store clerk or customer service rep or relative is just having a bad day; it’s really not about me anyway.
Being late to church, my daughter missing the bus, over cooking the chicken for dinner: small stuff.
All of this begs the question; what does matter? For me, and likely for you, it’s this:
Having people to love in my life.
Having a faith that brings me hope, joy and purpose.
Being happy and content with what I have.
End. Of. Story. The rest is just life: it comes, it goes, it can all be gone in an instant. It will take care of itself, one day at a time. So worry not, and watch where you walk in the rain.
The Writer Tracy 
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Why do we not remember this? It seems we need periodic reminding. So glad you are all right. God – our protector! Love
Yes, God was definitely there that day! It could have been so much worse. Merry Christmas Aunt Stevie!
My most-recent life-changing moment–waiting to hear if my husband was dead or alive. Many things we took for granted before his illness are now gone. But we have gained a new perspective, just as you did getting hit by a car(!). Life is sweeter. Most days I remember that the small inconveniences and annoying problems are just that–small…insignificant. And yet the other small things matter so much–the good small things…like quiet mornings, snuggles, a bird cheerfully singing, a soft breeze, a smile. The scary experiences we have in life tend to help us see more clearly what is important–the precious life we’ve been given, the gift of relationships, and the blessings that are all around us. It also helps me keep an eternal focus, remembering that this life is a very short blip in the grand-scheme of forever. Thanks, Tracy, for sharing your heart. I’m so glad you weren’t hurt worse!
Sabra, How right you are that the small things become something to cherish! I feel the same way, I think it takes going through rough times to really appreciate the very simple but oh-so-wonderful moments. I cannot even imagine what you went through in waiting to hear about your hubby. So, so grateful that he is still with you, what a blessing! Perspective is everything. Merry Christmas to you and your family!