A few minutes ago, and just around the corner, an Amtrack train traveling approximately 71 miles per hour slammed into the side of a white Chevy Astro minivan as the driver attempted to cross the tracks before the train arrived. The driver (and his seat) was thrown from the van into a grassy area along Lincolnway in Osceola. I stood there at the scene of the accident praying for the family of the driver and thinking about life [and death].
What was the driver’s last thought? His body is lying on the grass covered with a sheet surrounded by news crews, police and fire personnel. But where is he right now? Is he lying in front of the throne of God surrounded by angels singing praises? Or is he experiencing torment like he has never imagined? What was so important that he drove around the barriers? Why did he drive around them?
I just stood there and wondered some of these things and thanked God that I do know that if it were me… I would be in the arms of Jesus right now.
On my way home tonight on Erie Blvd in Schenectady NY I drove to the corner and a woman was motioning us around – I thought it was because of all the construction going on there but then I looked up and saw a motorcycle sidways under a pickup truck. There were people all around but I think whatever happened was over. I prayed right then for the operator and driver of both vechicles. It was so shocking right in front of my eyes. To know that our lives could be snuffed out in a moment. Very sobering and it draws us to our knees.
By the way… two people were killed. They were 22 years old.
wow.
The assurance of Christ’s promise… how wonderfully blessed we are. Crazy.