Musings

Everyone of us has some semblance of a daily routine. From the time we get up in the morning until the time that we go to bed, we try to maintain some sort of order to our existence. However, life has a way of shaking us from the dullness of our conceived consistency with a jolt of the reality that nothing stays the same. You may be wondering why I’m focused on this aspect of life today. Well, it is because I met this unruly character last night.

I was on my way from church last evening, taking the same route that I travel at least two times each week. Despite the fact that the highway construction is nearly finished, the barrels are still present. Regardless, the speed limit is still 70 on this stretch of the interstate, and both lanes of traffic are still open and flowing well. I discovered, however, that those barrels can move.

I was moving along at the speed limit (for once), when all of a sudden one of those road construction barrel to my left rolled from behind another one. I didn’t have much time to respond, but I heard myself say, “Brake.” I could envision myself hitting the barrel because it was not slowing down as it continued to roll into the path of my car. “Swerve,” said my conscience. “Okay, okay. I am,” I said to myself, but another part of my mind said, “Remember the car that you just passed. It should be to your right rear.”

“Bam.” That was it. I couldn’t miss the barrel, but I did avoid getting hit by the other car. I don’t know what happened to the barrel, but it became a traffic fatality on the spot. It had no business trying to be a pedestrian on the interstate and merge into traffic going 70 miles per hour. While my heart didn’t race for long, I maintained my wits about me sufficiently to see that the car to my right had taken the exit off the interstate. I slowed, and strangely there was no other traffic around me to impede me from pulling over to the shoulder to survey the damage to my car.

“How bad is the damage? Oh, I hate to look, but it appears that my headlights are still working.” What a blessing! Despite the fact that my fender is crumpled beyond repair, the front bumper cover is scuffed but repairable, and the headlight is damaged but still working. It has obviously been knocked loose from its moorings, but still in place and burning brightly enough for me to make it all the way home. It too will need to be replaced.

This is one time when a cell phone comes in handy. While I’m sitting on the side of the roadway, I call the insurance carrier to report the accident. The agent takes my report, recognizing that I just had a birthday the day before, and gives me the okay to get started on the repairs. My coverage is in force. I know that I have a deductible to pay, but it’s better than having to pay out of my pocket. Car rental coverage is also included.

God is good. I was not injured in any way. My car is still drivable until I can get it repaired. My insurance is paid. My phone was working. My routine was interrupted by this unexpected event, but I will not let it stop me from moving forward. Life is filled with surprises. I anticipated the claim to be considered as a collision loss, but I learned that it will be handled as a comprehensive claim. The deductible is lower as a result. Life’s unexpected surprises should be expected. Just roll with the flow, and the ride is a whole lot easier.