November 29th, Advent Day 03
When I reflect upon my life’s journey, I am fortunate to say that I can see the presence of the Holy Spirit. Not at the time of the events, but in my reflections. God has tried to whisper to me, but I don’t always listen. I learn best with visuals, and He does not disappoint.
On Tuesday afternoon, May 4, 1999, my family and I experienced an event that changed our family dynamic forever.
By this time, my dad was at home retired from his demolition job, and happily running his junk yard full time. My mom was thrilled because this kept my dad out of her hair…. but I digress. On this pivotal day, all my siblings (6) were at work and cell phones were only for the rich. Some of my siblings even worked together on their construction site. I, on the other hand, was away at college in PA getting ready for my finals.
As my dad got ready to leave for the junk yard, he forgot something in the garage. He walked back to get the item and came across a Bible.
My family didn’t own a Bible; we only went to church for weddings and funerals. My dad found it odd that we had this Bible, and it was in his tool garage, so he decided to ask my mom where it came from. As he was walking into the house to ask her, the phone rang. My dad answered it and sadly it was the hospital requesting they arrive as soon as possible because their son Chris was in an accident at the construction site and was in critical condition. My brother Chris was pronounced dead at 1:30 pm that day. He was only 33.
I look at this event in my life and I remember all the anxiety and overwhelming fear. Just like in the Bible when Zachariah meets the Angel Gabriel and is informed of uncertain change. Gabriel says more than once to those whom he visits, “do not be afraid,” to try and comfort the unintentionally frightened. Although one story is of life coming into the world and one is life leaving…. it’s still a shock, it’s still anxiety and fear. Let’s not forget about the visual God sent to both men!
To this day, my parents have that specific Bible on display in their home. My family (including the non-believers) and I all agree that specific Bible, that no one knows where it came from, was intentionally placed in my father’s hands and that it was no accident that he was there. My mother didn’t have to answer that call alone, nor did he.
Coincidence? …. maybe to the skeptic.