after all.
Seven years ago in northern Montana a vehicle struck me and my bicycle from behind. The sedan was traveling about 50 mph. I broke eleven vertebrae and one sternum while I tumbled and skidded for thirty-five feet. I woke up in a ditch. Any exposed flesh looked like I had a run-in with a belt sander. I was slathered in my own blood. The impact literally knocked me out of my shoes. I was broken, bruised and scraped but not dead.
The above incident changed me. Very few days go by where I don’t ponder, “How and why did I survive?”
I’ve come up with a few answers:
* I landed just right.
* I was wearing a helmet.
* I have strong bones.
* It wasn’t my turn to die.
* A Higher Power thinks I’m OK.
* My Mission in Life wasn’t complete.
I’m not a religious Jew. When my Mom passed in 1972, my connection to synagogues and organized prayer went six-feet under along with her. That being said, I consider myself a Jew with a 100% Kosher Soul. I’m proud to be a Member of the Tribe.
I just don’t go looking for God in a Temple on High Holy Days or Shabbat. I look elsewhere. I go to places that require effort. I sacrifice a lot of sweat. There are times I physically suffer. I think of this as a form of “paying penance” for past transgressions. It’s tough love religion.
Ahh! But when I arrive on a mountaintop, a canyon overlook or see creatures great or small, I know I’ve been blessed for my perseverance. If I’m lucky and no other humans are around, I’ll exclaim out loud, “Thank You! This is so beautiful.” It’s never a good idea to take anyone for granted, let alone God.
Was my Second Chance bestowed on me due to unfinished business?
* Maybe to be a walking example on how bicycle helmets save lives.
* Maybe to entertain, educate and enlighten people through my Blog.
* Maybe to really become the 46th President of the US.
God works in mysterious ways.
Lastly I think everyone should pursue their own personal Almighty, whether you find it in a Mosque, Church, Synagogue or the Great Outdoors.
Have fun, just be careful out there. Second Chances are not a given.
Jeff
