Contact Me

If you enjoy my blog and would like to contact me, you may reach me at this email: dena.netherton@gmail.com

Some of my stories are published in:
A Cup of Comfort Devotional for Mothers and Daughters (Adams Media, 2009)
Chicken Soup: What I Learned from the Dog (2009)
Love is a Flame (Bethany House, 2010)
Extraordinary answers to Prayer (Guideposts, 2010)
Love is a Verb (Bethany House, 2011)
Big Dreams from Small Spaces (Group Publishing, 2012)

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Side-swiped by a Monster Elk!

My husband, Bruce, was coming up the canyon last night after choir practice.
You have to be careful at this time of the year, we always warn ourselves as we approach the straightaway that bisects two big grazing areas.
But even when you're careful, wild animals sometimes pop out of nowhere.
I don't what the elk was thinking, but she galloped onto the road just in time to meet up with our car's right rear-view window.
Ca-blam!
The elk seemed unhurt as she continued across the highway.
Bruce was unhurt too -- praise God! -- but quite startled.
The poor mirror hangs by a thread. We called our dealership and it'll be about 500 dollars to fix it.
Darn elk!

Call it side-wiped, broadsided, bushwacked, thumped across the side of the head, or ambushed, or. . .
Whatever the name, the effect is still the same. One minute you're operating under your routine. The next, your whole body and mind have been knocked down and dragged out to sea.
What can you do?

I love the old Boys Scouts motto: Be prepared!
And on the California driver's test, one of the correct answers is: Watch for potential accidents.
To protect yourself and your car:
Keep your car in good working order
Keep your cell phone handy
Keep a blanket in the trunk.
Stock extra water and snacks in case you're stranded
Store flares, a flashlight, etc. in your trunk.

Similarly, in life:
Keep your relationships in good working order
Keep the lines of communication open with family and friends
Be vigilant
Store up good memories for future hard times
Take care of problems before they become big problems
Always have a plan B
Keep your word
Pay your bills on time
See that your family has regular check-ups with the doc and the dentist
Serve others, especially the poor and the widow and the orphan
And, most important of all: stay close to the Master!
 
You may not be able to prevent all of life's "side-swipes," but if you take care of your business and stay aware, you can save your life, or your marriage, or your business.

"Be very careful, then, how you live --not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." (Eph. 5:15-17 NIV Bible)








2 comments:

  1. So glad Bruce is okay, Dena. Good advice on being prepared. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Too bad we're not all as prepared as the Boy Scouts!

    ReplyDelete