Thoughts On The Route 95 Bridge Collapse

Recently I found myself entangled in the chaos of the recent bridge collapse in Philadelphia. The traffic was horrendous, turning what should have been a 45-minute journey home from my final chaplain assignment into an arduous 1 hour and 45 minutes. Frustration began to consume me as I navigated through the unfamiliar streets of North Philly, relying on my phone's GPS for guidance. Little did I know that it hadn't been updated with the recent road closures caused by the bridge collapse.

In the midst of my aggravation, God gently intervened, bringing me back to reality. He placed me behind not one, but two trucks from companies where I serve as a chaplain. It was a divine moment, as if God was whispering to me, "Instead of focusing on your own frustrations, why not uplift and pray for these drivers, for whom you are their chaplain?"

Suddenly, my perspective shifted. I realized that my role as a chaplain extended beyond the confines of a formal assignment. In that very moment, I had the opportunity to offer support, encouragement, and prayer to those around me—my fellow travelers on this challenging road. Gratitude flooded my heart for the reminder that God had bestowed upon me during this difficult homeward journey.

Life often throws unexpected obstacles our way, disrupting our plans and stirring frustration within us. Yet, in these moments, we have a choice to make. Will we succumb to our own self-centered irritation, or will we embrace the divine appointments placed before us? God has a way of using even the most inconvenient circumstances to remind us of His presence and invite us to extend His love to others.

As we navigate the roads of life, may we remember that our journeys are not solely about reaching our intended destinations, but about the lives we encounter along the way. Let us be attuned to the opportunities God presents us with, whether it be in the midst of traffic or in the ordinary moments of our everyday lives. May we embrace these moments as invitations to be His vessels of compassion, support, and prayer, shining His light in the midst of darkness.

Today, I am grateful for the way that the traffic slowed my journey and opened my eyes to the needs of others. May we all find inspiration in the most unexpected places and choose to serve as vessels of God's grace and love to those around us.