Do you recognize the name Clark Griswold, Chevy Chase’s character in the 1980’s “Vacation” films? Old Clark always had the best intentions to give his family the perfect vacation experiences, but something usually went wrong. Ok, maybe everything went really, really wrong … always. As we laughed at his bumbling, pratfalling, slapstick attempts; maybe we even felt a little sympathy for him because we know what it is like when plans go awry.
Our Christmas “vacation” took some unexpected turns this year. For the first time in many years, we spent almost the whole time on the road; over 1500 miles of Texas, making sure that our granddaughter—along with the grown-ups—got to visit all her great-grandparents.
Other than too much food and too much time in the car, all went well until the day we were all going home. We kissed goodbye (baby girl got most of the kisses) in Andrews, TX and the Amarillo residents (everyone but us) headed north as we headed east. It was a cold morning and a bit of precipitation was beginning, so we were anxious to get on the road so we could get off the road.
About an hour later we got a call from favorite son-in-law which began with, “Everyone is okay.” This is always good news, but a message that starts that way is always NOT followed by good news.
Favorite son and daughter-in-law were in the lead car, followed by favorite daughter, son-in-law, and baby. The freezing precip had increased, so they had slowed considerably, but not slow enough when son hit the black ice. To make a long story short, their car skidded, rolled, and ended up on its side. By the miraculous grace of God, their injuries were minimal. They were transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital, where they were checked out and then released. Because of treacherous road conditions, and due to the fact that they were not seriously injured and were all together, we chose to continue home and told them to stay in a hotel on our nickel until it was safe to travel.
And so began their fantastic 5 day, 4 night vacation in beautiful Seminole, TX. Totaled car, splints and slings, ibuprofen, 12 week old baby … iced in the Seminole Best Western with roads closed in every direction. Clark Griswold would even sympathize.
Here’s the truth: I can’t be anything but thankful. We left Andrews Tuesday morning and they got home Saturday night (normally a 4 hour trip). They lost a car. Our nickel for 4 nights of 2 hotel rooms and meals is considerably more than a nickel. And because of all the weather issues, we missed baby girl’s dedication service at church Sunday morning. But everyone is alive and well. The rest is just stuff.
Sometimes our “vacation” moments give God an extra opportunity to remind us that our lives matter to Him.
I hope we always pay attention.
How have you seen God’s hand when plans have gone awry?
Leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your story.
