During a very violent overnight storm this week, a branch as big as my pickup truck broke off the pecan tree and crashed to the ground. Fortunately, it missed the truck but blocked it in. Being a guy, I figured I could just grab onto the branch and pull it out of the way.
Coiled like a spring (a very old and rusty spring) I grabbed hold and put all of my weight into moving that branch. Suddenly, without warning, the rotten branch exploded and I flew into the air like an Olympic swimmer racing the backstroke. The lights went out as I crashed onto the driveway slamming the back of my head in the dirt.
When the stars cleared away, I laid there contemplating my sins and taking stock of the damage all the while muttering “eepph.” I knew better than to get up until I had finished the roll call of body parts: legs? “Fine.” Hips? “Bruised.” Back? “Too early to tell. Call me back in an hour.” Arms? Left, “fine.” Right? “No so good.” Head? Head? “Eepph…” Someone will come to my rescue!
It was early in the morning. I had just finished my routine: a cup of coffee on the porch with a good devotional book. No one but the rabbits and squirrels was up. This was going to take a bit, so I lay there thinking about how fragile life is. It’s a wonder we survived childhood (“Of course this bedsheet parachute is going to work!”), learning to drive, dating, and the military. There are so many new diseases. In the news, I hear about shootings and lootings, madmen, and politicians.
I have come to the realization, none of us are going to get out of this life alive. Isn’t it wonderful to know there is something – something better – waiting for us on the other side?
Before the angels came to take me home, my loveable border collie, Sadie, started licking my face. Slowly I got to my feet. Smiling, she looked at me as if to say, “Don’t check out just yet. Let’s play ball. The branch can wait until after breakfast!”