The other day I was enjoying a bike ride. Nothing big–only a couple of hours on the Great Miami River Bike Trail.
The path was a bit muddy and greasy from all the rain we’ve experienced so I made up my mind I was going to be careful. About 90 minutes into my “careful” bike ride I hit some unforeseen mud and within a split second, I was body slammed onto the asphalt of the bike path. I’ve had bike crashes before but never like this one.
As I’m lying on the ground moaning in pain, I begin to do a systems check of my body. I could move my head–I was worried because I slammed the left side of my head on the asphalt–thank God for helmets! I then moved my left arm–because I fell on my left side–it was bruised but not broken. I then moved my right arm–no problems. I then moved my right leg–no problems. When I tried to lift my left leg I felt excruciating pain in my hip. I figured it was either a bad bruise or it was broken–so I tried to stand up–NOT SMART. I collapsed in pain and knew I had a problem.
Luckily I had my cell phone and I tried to dial 911–but I couldn’t see the phone to dial–I had lost my eyesight. Then I began to get dizzy and sick to my stomach, so I laid down in the mud next to the bike path and started praying for my sight to come back so I could call for help. I must also admit I was praying for God to keep me alive as I was losing consciousness.
After several minutes of praying while writhing in pain, I partially regained my sight and eventually connected with 911. About fifteen minutes later I was in the back of a Troy, OH EMT transport vehicle headed to the local hospital.
After running some tests it was determined I had fractured my hip and needed to be transported to a trauma hospital in order to determine what the next steps would be.
At some point in the evening, I remember saying to my wife, “So much for asking God to wrap His arms of protection around our family.” (When Lori and I pray together, I always ask God to wrap His arms of protection around our family). She looked at me and said, “I believe he was listening, this could have been a lot worse.”
So true.
The ortho surgeon at the trauma center decided I didn’t need surgery and I arrived home a little over 24 hours after my crash. I’m looking at a 2-month recovery process and I’m quickly learning how to use a walker. Pray for my dear wife Lori as my accident has forced her to take on the task of caring for two disabled people.
Before you think God may have abandoned you or forgotten you–take a deeper look.
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”Â
