Saturday, February 25, 2012

Thank You, Dear Deer by Kim Jackson

I had planned to stop in Kentucky to stay overnight on my way home from a speaking engagement.

And I did stop...
   Suddenly...
 But nowhere near a hotel. 

A deer wandering on to the interstate provided the reason I slammed on my brakes with such force that three months after the accident, two toenails on my right foot are still growing back. 

When I stopped, the semitrailer truck behind me rear-ended my compact car, causing it to flip three times. 

I wasn’t counting. The eyewitnesses shared that information when they found me—alive—much to their surprise.

My initial wave of gratitude surged at the accident site when I got the first look at what was left of my car. Not much. 

Kim's Car after the Accident!!
Surviving an accident of that magnitude confirms that God has more for me to do. 

Evidently, as a friend quipped, God was done with the deer. He didn’t survive. Neither did my car. But I did. Miraculously.

So thank you, dear deer, for sending my gratitude level off the chart. I have always had tendencies towards thankfulness. I have my mother to, uh, thank, for that. But something about a brush with death highlights, underscores and bolds the preciousness of life.

Thank you, dear deer, for giving me so many “God stories” to share. For example, my car was leased, so I didn’t receive money to replace it. But December 23rd a family donated a car to our church and the church gave it to me. After six weeks without a car, I got one for Christmas! And the scene at the DMV that day—reminiscent of a Hallmark movie—was one I doubt they’ve had before or since. 

Thank you, dear deer, for eliminating my car payment. Since my salary as an advocate for homeless elderly comes through the generosity of individuals and churches, not having a car payment is like handing me $250 a month. Nice. And because my Christmas Car is 17 years old, my auto insurance is considerably lower.

I could list many more reasons to say “Thank you, dear deer,” which of course is my way of communicating that I try to acknowledge and thank God for working in every situation for my ultimate good.

No doubt about it, if it had been up to me, I would not have scripted “Deer, enter stage right.” But since God allowed it, and because I believe Romans 8:28 is not a typo, I will continue to pray for the wisdom to “Give thanks in all circumstances…” (1Thessalonians 5:18).

Kim prays for a formerly homeless senior in Romania.

Read about Elder Orphan Care ministry HERE

13 comments:

  1. What an amazing post of gratitude, when so many would not see things to be grateful for during such a terrible accident. So grateful you are able to share you story and gratitude today!

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    1. Thank you, Jennifer! I am still a learner in process when it comes to gratitude in all circumstances, but I am trying more and more to make it my aim, whether I hit the target perfectly or not :) Thank you for your kind words!

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  2. Beautiful post! So amazing to find blessing through the hard times. Thank you for sharing

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    1. Amy, thank you for taking time to write such kind words. Although I don't always hit the target, I am making it my aim to be grateful in all circumstances! God bless you, Amy.

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  3. So true, Kim! We never know what He's saving us from when things don't go as we expect. So yes, we must give thanks in all things.

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    1. Vonda, thank you for taking time to read and comment! I appreciate your encouragement. God bless you BIG!

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  4. Wow, thank God! Amazing prespective and great reminder.

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    1. Nona, thank you for your kind, encouraging words. This story will always be a "marker" in my life when it comes to expressing gratitude! God bless you!

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  5. Hi! Stopping in from the "Women Living Well" link up:) I recently spoke at a church about how the most growth occurs in the shadows of our obstacles. Oftentimes, what the world sees as "really bad", God sees as "really good"! What a testimony He has given you!! Keep sharing it faithfully.

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    1. Becky, thank you for "stopping by" and taking time to read my story and encouraging comments. I appreciate your perspective and agree! Yes, it's quite a testimony and I am enjoying telling this God Story over and over again!

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  6. Wow! is right! I have felt that way about my husband surviving a dog attack at the age of two. I am absolutely convinced that God has many great plans for him. Your story proves again that God has plans "to prosper us and not to harm, plans to give {us} a hope and a future."
    Joining via "Bless a blogger"
    Latisha
    confessionsofamartha.blogspot.com

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  7. Wow, I am glad you are ok. What a great attitude. :)

    Thanks for linking up.

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  8. Nancy Leigh Demoss' book, "Choosing Gratitude" is about this. You CHOSE to have the attitude of gratutude and the Lord was able to teach you (and then bless US through you!). Great blog and encouraging blog!

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