You know those times you see someone swerve across three lanes to make a last-minute change to access an exit ramp? I’ve always said if I was too late to make a safe lane change I would overshoot the exit, take the next, make a U-turn, and return to the desired freeway change.

One day this week, while driving, I talked on the phone with my mother, hands-free. But I wasn’t totally paying attention and suddenly realized my exit was on the right–three lanes over.

“Hold on Mom,” I spoke up.

I glanced quickly over my right shoulder to see clear lanes and crossed two lanes, then bypassed a big pothole to move into the exit lane. I’d seen a grey car coming but I couldn’t accurately tell whether it was in the left or right exit lane. As I drove past that pothole, the grey car swooped right past me–in the lane I was entering!

“Thank you Jesus!” I gasped. Fortunately Mom didn’t hear that, or it would have caused her great concern (as will reading this!). I could have been the cause of a very serious accident, and am ashamed of my decision to make that multiple lane change at the last minute. I consider myself a safe driver. But that day I made a split-second decision that was not only unwise, but unsafe. I plan to remember this in the future and stick with my original idea.

En route home I stopped at Trader Joe’s for some groceries. As I walked toward the store, an African American woman approached me. She looked distressed.

“Can you help me? I need BART fare to get home. I’ve been walking around this shopping center twice and I got a dollar.” She pulled it out of her pocket. She said a woman in the center had called her the “n” word. “I’m so sorry.” I shook my head. “That is so wrong and you are precious.”

I asked her name, which was Faith Love.

“Do you know Jesus?” I asked Faith. “Oh yes. I walk with him all the time.” Faith’s response was immediate.

We sat outside as she told me she had cancer. Her hair was falling out and Faith pulled a scarf over her head. She told me her sister drove her to San Jose for chemo treatments, but was pulled over for a minor infraction and found to be in violation of parole. So she got taken to jail, and Faith had no way home.

While I don’t usually give money (I’d rather give food), in this case I felt led to help Faith financially. Whether her story was on the level is not up to me. I gave her the money for BART and a little extra, prayed with her, and said goodbye.

It was quite the day.

Although I was embarrassed, I told Don about the near accident after I returned home. My hubby said he prayed for God’s protection over me several times while I was gone. God definitely answered his prayer and kept his hand of protection on me. When I think of what could have happened, I am deeply grateful. I guess God’s not finished with me yet.

Have you made a foolish decision that could have been disastrous, but wasn’t? How have you seen God’s hand in the outcome?