Tender Mercies

Yesterday was such an amazing, beautiful day.  The kids and I played outside most of the day.  Kate was riding her big wheel and it brought to mind an experience I had a couple of years ago.  I know this is old news, but I really wanted to record it, for my own benefit, so it wouldn't be forgotten.

Flash back to the summer of 2010.  Gavin would have been four then.  Travis was out of town, so we had an early dinner that night.  All of the neighborhood kids were out playing in the cul-de-sac.  There were probably 12 or 13 of them.  I decided to let the kids go out and play while I did the dishes.  I NEVER let Gavin out there without my supervision, but decided that with this many kids, he would be fine.  Kate was happily playing inside with me. 

As I was doing the dishes, the thought came to my mind that I should go out and check on my kids.  I quickly dismissed the thought, reasoning that I was almost done with my dishes.  The impression immediately came again, this time very strong, YOUR DISHES WILL WAIT.  GO CHECK THE KIDS NOW!  I quickly headed outside just in time to see Gavin riding on his big wheel as a car was backing out of a driveway.  I yelled at him, but the big wheel was pretty loud, and he could not hear me.  I ran as fast as I could, just in time to throw him and his bike out of the way from the vehicle.

The driver saw me and stopped.  He had no idea that Gavin was anywhere near the vehicle.  He had walked around the car before backing out, but Gavin was riding in the street, next to a car that was parked in the road. 

I remember how scared I was.  I hugged my little man and sobbed.  I am so grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord that protected my boy that day.  There is no doubt in my mind that he would have been hit by that car if I had chosen not to listen to that impression that I received.  I hate to think about what would have happened to him. 

I learned a valuable lesson that day.  It is so important to listen to the promptings that you receive and act immediately on those impressions.  I am so grateful that I did that day.