Yesterday I had to take an Uber home. My car died while I was at a red light and so I had to have it towed to a mechanic. While in the middle of the intersection waiting for Triple A to arrive, I felt tempted to go into fear, worry, doubt, anger, and victimhood. I admit, it was a little embarrassing to be the person we’ve all driven by and thought, “sucks to be them.” But I started to think about how it’s so easy to thank God for his work in our life when things are going great; however, the moment something goes wrong we think, “why me, why did this happen?”
God’s work is always present in our life. We may prefer certain situations over others, but his work is always present. As I sat there in my car, I began reminding myself of the things my ego was trying to get me to forget. I affirmed that I was safe and that God’s work is consistent and ever-present. I thought how we can’t pick and choose spiritual law, we either believe that it is or that it isn’t.
After I arrived safely at the mechanic’s and dropped off my car, I called an Uber. The woman who picked me up had driven by me a few times, so when I got into the car I was ready to get home. The moment I sat in the car she turned around and introduced herself. She said, “Hi, my name is Chris.” I thought, “Oh, that’s my name too.” I said, “Hi Chris, my name is Chris.”
After we both had a laugh she offered me some licorice. She seemed very sweet and to be honest, a bit fragile and elderly to be an Uber driver in Los Angeles. I asked her how long she’s been an Uber driver and if she liked it. She began to tell me how she took care of her father for many years but that he recently passed away. She said she needed to do something to get out of the house because she’s been so depressed. She loves people and so she thought driving for Uber would be a great way for her to meet people and stop hiding.
During our 30 minute drive I learned so much. Not just about her life, but about life in general. There was even a moment during our drive where she slowed down to let another car go in front of her and she said, “Sorry, but I tend to let people in.” I think she thought she was referring to cars, but to me, it meant so much more.
When we arrived at my place she said, “I hope you enjoyed your drive. Are you sure you don’t want any licorice?” I said, “Yes, I’m sure. But thank you for the drive, I learned a lot from you.”
On one hand, a sh**ty day. On the other hand, a supportive Universe keeping me out of harm’s way, sending little angels to the rescue, and a delightful lesson on vulnerability and keeping my heart open.
Cars will break down, life will go on, and how we choose to handle and view our circumstance is entirely up to us.