What freedom my husband and I experienced during our “break free from COVID-19” camping trip! Escaping the city with our truck and trailer provided a welcome relief from being confined at home. Finding God in the midst of unique rock formations, high country passes, and beautiful basins of the Colorado mountains, I quickly improved my attitude and refreshed my soul.
Facing the Unexpected
But, as often happens, real life burst our vacation bubble. Day nine of our trip found us replenishing our supplies at the Walmart Superstore in Montrose, Colorado. Heading out of the Walmart parking lot on the next leg of our trip, we were startled by a loud grinding sound from the engine. I gasped as I saw steam seeping from beneath the hood and the smell of antifreeze filled the air.
Do you know that feeling? The “oh no,” the dread. We were pulling a fully loaded 29-foot trailer with an ATV on the truck bed on a busy highway. My heart sank. Not a breakdown, not now, not so far from home! My husband and I looked at each other in dismay. Now what? How do you tow a trailer and a truck?
After several hours and multiple calls to the insurance company and local tow drivers, the trailer was towed to an RV campground nearby. Simultaneously, the truck was towed to a local garage to fix the shattered water pump. It was definitely an unwanted and stressful circumstance!!!
Finding God
Sitting in the RV campground that night, facing a possible end to our trip and unexpected expenses, I had a choice to make. I could view our circumstances through a lens of personal negativity OR rise above our circumstances believing God was in control.
According to the mechanic, the pump was leaking and could have disabled the truck at any time. Breaking down 2 miles from a tow and truck repair shop was so lucky, rather than on 4- wheel-drive roads miles from help and without cell service. The towing bill could have been astronomical.
I realized only God could orchestrate this scenario! Gratitude filled my heart. Yes, we faced unexpected expenses, but thanks to a responsive insurance provider, towing company, and truck mechanic, we were on our way in 24 hours.
God is here, he’s present. Finding God in the midst of my circumstance happens when I keep my eyes open and believe He will work on my behalf. God always works good!
Let me know if you have experienced God’s presence in a challenging circumstance? I’d love to hear your story by leaving a comment below.
Our daughter called us up on a Friday afternoon in excruciating pain, from the small town she lived in in the mountains 3 1/2 hours away. As it turns out, she had appendicitis and had to have emergency surgery. The small hospital was located literally right behind the building where she worked and a surgeon was able to drive in from a nearby town. Just ten days before, our daughter had been in a remote, rural part of Jamaica where emergency diagnosis and surgery would have been difficult and hours away. Thank You God!
Yes, thank you God! He does work in mysterious ways when we least expect it. 🙂