Divine Intervention or Coincidence

Summary

The author recounts a humbling experience of facing a car breakdown after impatiently reacting to another driver's stalled vehicle, leading to a moment of self-reflection and a potential change in behavior.

Abstract

In a personal anecdote, the author describes a day when they were inconvenienced by a slow driver in a parking lot, only to find themselves in a similar predicament shortly after. Initially irritated and judgmental towards the driver of the stalled vehicle, the author's perspective shifts dramatically when their own car fails to start. This unexpected turn of events prompts introspection and an acknowledgment of their own impatience and unkind thoughts. The incident leads to a prayer for forgiveness and a commitment to better behavior in the future, with the author considering it either a case of divine intervention or a coincidental learning moment that has a lasting impact on their conduct.

Opinions

The author believes that their initial reaction to the slow driver was inappropriate and not aligned with their spiritual beliefs.
There is a suggestion that the incident was more than just a coincidence, implying a possible divine intervention to teach a lesson.
The author reflects on the importance of maintaining patience and empathy, especially in frustrating situations.
The experience has had a lasting effect on the author, serving as a reminder to remain calm and offer help rather than react angrily when faced with similar circumstances in the future.
The author values the role of personal accountability and the importance of aligning actions with one's faith and values.

When things happen to nudge your conscience.

Image by Rhonda Carrier

In my younger days I drove an Austin Healey Sprite, a small and nippy British sports car. It was old but very dependable. I serviced it regularly and it never gave me any problems.

One day I was driving to the supermarket and heading up the multi-storey carpark. There was a car in front of me traveling slowly looking for place to park. I started muttering under my breath wishing the driver would quickly park as I was in a hurry to get to the supermarket level. There were cars coming down the opposite direction to drive out of the car park so I could not easily go around the slow moving vehicle. Suddenly the slow car stalled and the driver could not re-start it. I leaned against my horn and started cursing under my breath. The driver sheepishly got out of the car, waved an apology and proceeded to lift the hood of the car. It took a while for the oncoming cars to clear before I could drive around him. I revved the engine of my little sports car and angrily sounded my horn as I passed him to continue up the parking ramp. In my mind I ran through the “litany of sins” of all those drivers who never check or maintain their cars, run out of gas, or break down in the parking lot inconveniencing other drivers.

I found a spot next to the supermarket, parked my car and proceeded to shop for what I needed. When I got back to my car I settled in the driver’s seat and inserted my keys into the ignition slot. I turned the ignition key. Nothing. Not a sound. I tried it again. Nothing. I was just about to explode with an expletive when the picture of the earlier stalled vehicle came to mind. I felt myself calming down and recalling all the cursing and bad thoughts that I had earlier directed towards the driver of the stalled vehicle.

In my calm state I recognized I could certainly have been more patient and had absolutely no excuse getting upset with the driver. I could have even tried to offer to help instead of acting like an angry and immature child. I closed my eyes and took a couple of deep breaths. I was at that time a member of a prayer group at church and saw how antithetical my behavior was to all I supposedly espoused. I said a quiet prayer acknowledging my shameful behavior towards the driver, asked for forgiveness and prayed that my actions would not adversely impact his day. I also prayed for my car to start. I then turned the ignition key. The engine started smoothly. I gave thanks and drove home in a quiet and reflective mood.

I had my ignition and battery checked out. All connections were tight and secure and the incident never repeated itself. Was it divine intervention or just coincidence? For me, the answer lies is the positive effect the incident had on checking my behavior. Have I been impatient or unjustifiably upset or angry since then? Of course I have. However, I am almost always able to acknowledge and check my behavior. On the times I have not corrected it fast enough, this incident always comes to mind to nudge my conscience.

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