Speaking of Hell
Yesterday was the day from hell. Now obviously it could have been worse because everything before 1pm was perfect, but it went downhill quickly.
1pm: In court to dispute my ticket for riding on Mass Transit with a student pass. My school told me to purchase those…but Portland says they aren’t valid unless you are 17 or younger. $115 fine. So I plead no contest, explaining my situation. Fine lowered by $20. It took 2 hours of my time, and parking isn’t cheap downtown. In other words…a complete waste of time. And I was treated like an incompetent criminal by the judge.
3pm: Had to go to the auto shop to get what I hoped would be just replacing a headlight. Nope, it was more than that. But it was snowing out so I didn’t care much.
3:47pm: Driving to get gas, about an inch of snow on the ground. Got in a car accident. It was my fault, though I was really close to avoiding it. First accident of my life. It wasn’t bad. I was going 10 mph. Didn’t damage the other car. A few big dents on our car that will be expensive.
4:30pm: Canceled the After Christmas Party with the youth worship team because of the snow. The only plus to that is that we have a lot of dessert at our house with no one to eat it but me (come on over).
5pm: It took me over an hour to drive from the spot of the accident back to the church. A distance of less than one mile. Worst traffic I’d ever seen…until later.
7pm: Made it to Rose’s work to pick her up. A 6 mile drive in 2 hours. At one point I moved a quarter mile in one hour. Worst traffic I’ve ever seen, even worse than Los Angeles.
7:43pm: Home. First time in my entire life I would have preferred rain instead of snow. That is sad.
Yesterday felt like a microcosm of our life the past few months. God has been blessing us in huge ways but we’ve also faced some huge strains as well. The last 2 months have been harder financially and emotionally than all of the previous year.
I’d really appreciate your prayers. In some ways I know God’s provision for us will remain true, in other ways I feel like I’m we’re barely holding on.
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Tyler Braun.
As much as I brag that, “I’m an Alaskan, I can handle it,” I don’t have studded tires for my work car, or chains, and driving in snow around here just isn’t any picnic.
I think dents in a car bring character. And if they don’t interfere with function, I say let them be.
I am happy to report that I made it up a snowy hill on Hall last night and a Jeep had to turn around
Yeah I was thinking after hearing about everything that it was a pretty bad day…
Sorry your ticket only got reduced by $20…that blows.
Excited to hang this weekend, hopefully we can have some fun and forget all the junk of the previous week at least for a moment.
Definitely.
Sometimes you just need to let it all out
That day sounds awful, good thing you got it out of the way.
Now to 2010
Tyler, it seems that repeated stress makes it so much harder to bear. When you’re looking for a break and instead you get additional pain/stress it makes you lose hope I think. Makes it harder to get back up and go again, to take another chance. I’ve been there. Sometimes I think it’s where I’ll live the rest of my life! I am trying to continue to press into God, to count my many blessings and remain thankful, and to learn from it all. I do well at this some days, and some days I just feel sorry for myself and overwhelmed at some of the realities of present day life and teeter on the edge of depression. So I understand a little and am praying for you and Rose.
One thing is sure – it will refine us if we allow it. We can become more patient, compassionate, and understanding. We wouldn’t choose to grow that way but God can shape us in the disappointments of life. I just don’t like it!!
I’m not sure any of us do.
Praying God’s blessings of grace, mercy, joy and peace be yours today friend.
Tyler,
I am so sorry about your day yesterday! My neighbor spent 5 1/2 hours trying to get to Raleigh Hills from NW 18th, 10 changes of lights on Broadway before any movement. Not the greatest way to have alone time with your husband!!! I will be lifting you and Rose up in my prayers, I didn’t realize that you were struggling. Of one thing I am certain, when things are hard all God wants us to do is turn our face to Him, seeking out relationship and communion with Him. I know you are very aware this, but wanted to encourage you and let you know that I will be praying for you and Rose. God bless both of you in 2010!
Thank you Dana!
troubles are intense, try to enjoy it ,you get to rely on a really big God; If everything was easy there is not depending on anything. and you miss out. (speaking from experience here, 4.5 years into mine).
what kind of dessert?
Cookies, fruit, pop, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls.
Dude. Portland must not get much snow.
I can’t tell if you’re saying, “It was an INCH of SNOW!” or “it was (only) an inch of snow!”
To put it in context, we here in Iowa just got 14″ in 48 hours about two weeks ago.
Holla.
About an inch or two a year is what we get.
We got 3 inches yesterday. But it was the snow when it was right at 32 degrees, the most dangerous. I’d much prefer 3 inches when it is 20 degrees.
Perception brother… You saved $95 on the fine less parking so let’s call it $80 bucks. You met someone through the accident you would have never met before. What an opportunity to demonstrate our Lord’s love. You got to spend time in the car with your wife… and you successfully slammed a Jeep’s supposed ability.
All in all not too bad LOL.. As I tell folks, some days your the pigeon and some days you’re the statue. Peace and know our Lord was in everyone of those events…
BTW one inch of snow here without salt sucks…’
Peace
Alan
Doesn’t sound fun. Days like that suck, but happen to the best of us.
I hope the new year brings you some better *luck (if you believe in that sort of thing).
I pray that 2010 will be awesome!
What a bummer of a day:( But you are right, God always provides, and unfortunately it means the most when we in the most need
Praying for that God continues to bless your life each and every day:)
I’m praying for you, Tyler. Having had a week from hell this year, I know what a day from hell can feel like…
Holy Cow Tyler, I had no idea. What a crazy day. Glad its over for you. Hope today is an awesome day for you and Rose.
Jay
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