Choose to Rejoice!

 

Recently  we went to an event about three hours away.  It was cool and rainy at points but we had an enjoyable time with friends.  We headed home about 3 pm.  We were moving at a good speed on the expressway along with all the other cars and trucks.  We were talking and listening to music.  All was well.  Then we noted vibration in the car, and we were evaluating that when we had a loud flapping sound.  We all knew it was a tire.  We got off to the side of the road.  We were near an exit, but traffic was heavy and fast.  Dad called the auto emergency help and they said to get out of the car, stand at the back and wait.  They would be there in thirty minutes.  The tire in question was on the traffic side so they said to not even try to see it.  It was now 4:30 in the afternoon.  It was still light, but cloudy.  Thankfully not raining!  A highway patrol stopped and checked on us, but their shift was changing so when they saw we were ok they left, but did put out markers to alert traffic.  Then Dad got another call from the emergency help.  They were delayed by a more serious accident and we would have to wait an additional hour.  We began to sing and praise the Lord that we were safe, that it was not raining, and that God was watching over us.  We just enjoyed the view.  Eventually help came. It had turned dark, but no rain or cold.  It was windy so not any bugs either.  The help took us to a tire store nearby.  It was family owned and the people were efficient and good at their job.  One of the family asked about me and he treated me like an intelligent person.  We got in the car and headed home and then the rain began.  God had His hand on us all the way.  We could rejoice! I could have chosen to melt down from the stress, but this time I chose to rejoice and praise the Lord.  May I always make that choice!