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Monday 25 April 2016

Kangaroo & a father's influence

A few weeks ago I was driving home from a wedding, with my husband in the passenger seat. It was a pitch black country road. The only light was from my car's headlights or those of an approaching car on the other side.

I knew kangaroos were expected to hop across these roads, but didn't think they'd be around at 10.45pm... then out nowhere, in my peripheral vision I saw a huge grey shadow... and instinctively knew it was a kangaroo, and we were about to be hit!!

I was amazed that, in the moment, my dad's words spoken in general conversation came to the surface of my mind, and without thinking, I instinctively knew what to do. I did NOT brake hard and I did NOT try to avoid the kangaroo. I gradually slowed down & braced for impact.

For those unfamiliar with kangaroos, I guess it would be like hitting a bull or deer. Many deaths have been caused by drivers trying to avoid the animal, and crashing into a tree or something else.

The kangaroo hit my side of the car - snapped off my mirror and dented the whole side of my car - pushed the mirror across the window, and ricocheted off the other end of my car.

We just looked at each other, like ,"What just happened!!" and then kinda laughed at how calm we were. My husband got out of the car and retrieved the mirror, but the kangaroo was nowhere in sight. Neither was any blood or signs of injury. Just souvenir fur where the mirror used to be.

We made it home safely and knew it could have been much, much worse. We both knew God was protecting us. If the kangaroo had hit from the front, I would not have a car, and possibly be injured or worse...

All the next day, I had the verse in my head, "I have hidden your word in my heart, so that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11).

How amazing...the love of a father...their words of wisdom are stored in our hearts and minds. Many times we don't realise just how much we have stored...then a day comes where we NEED that advice & direction.

When the attacks come, we instinctively don't freak out. We remain calm and know how to act. Because the wisdom has been stored in our minds & hearts (Ephesians 6:13).

A good reminder to keep feeding on His Word.