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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN (04/13/17)
“Accident Forgiveness”



My heart was racing, and I was holding back tears. Of all the days I could have left my proof of insurance at home, why today? My hands shook as I tore through the console of my car and glove compartment…nothing. I searched through my cell phone to see if I had saved the number. “Just go ahead and call the police,” I yielded, two tears making the plunge down each cheek simultaneously. It had only been minutes since I backed into the department store manager’s parked car. Thank God the bumper wasn't dented, only scratched up a bit. Still, how could I do something so foolish? I was always so careful and had a nearly perfect driving record. Not to mention, I wasn’t even living in my home state at the time.



Although I chose to do the right thing and tell her about the accident, I’ll never forget the fire burning in her deep brown eyes. She had every right to give me “what-for” for my apparent carelessness. Apologies gushed until I bordered pathetic. It was the straw that broke this poor camel’s back. On top of this small town gal’s attempts at adapting to life in a big city (with a predominantly different culture), I had faced unemployment, loneliness, and overwhelming feelings of rejection. Even the church I was attending at the time did not fully accept me.



As all these thoughts were swirling through my head, the middle-aged department store manager must have detected some familiarity in my distress. Almost instantly, her cold expression melted into one of compassion. “You know what,” she said in a softened tone, “Just go. Don’t worry about it, hon.” “Are you sure?” I said wiping my eyes. “Yes, I’m sure,” she maintained. “It’s not the first time my car’s been scratched.” I thanked her more profusely than I had apologized before. She gave me a gentle squeeze and reassured me once more.



Like a bird caught in a fowler’s snare, I felt as if I had been freed. I understood her anger more than her willingness to just simply …let me go. On the way back to my apartment, I pondered what had just happened. What I had experienced that day was a striking illustration of redemption and grace. “This is what Jesus has done for me…for all of us,” I thought. We all need a Savior no matter how perfect we may try to be. Our attempts at staying within the lines are frail to say the least. In this life, everyone needs “accident forgiveness.”
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Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
04/21/17
Nicely done!

WOnderful message and great job with the topic.

Blessings~
Karen Emmer
04/24/17
Good story. It sounds like first hand experience.
Bonnie Bowden 
04/27/17
Congratulations on your 5th place finish in the Beginners category, Ashley.

Your ending summed up the story well.