Unplanned Desitnations & Delightful Lessons - The DV Walking Wounded:

I’m off work today, which happens when you work for the federal government. Last night, I saw some yard sales with treasures that I wanted, so I planned on getting up early and going. Sadly I slept in a bit longer than I intended, but got up and got ready, still set on being one of the first to the yard sale.

As I sped down the road, listening to my map app on my phone, it took me down country roads (I mean, I live in the country, so whaevs). It had stormed the night before, so there were branches and limbs down everywhere. As I rounded a bend, there in the middle of the road was a box turtle, scared and frozen to middle The truck in front of me, swerved to miss it. I immediately gasped and pulled over. I adore turtles, even a bit more than yard sales. Normally I have gloves and hand sanitizer in my trunk. Since I have a newer car, my trunk isn’t stocked. I found a plastic grocery bags, so I used them as make-shift gloves.

Mr. (or Ms) Turtle was not happy about the intrusion, so as I picked them up, they started the clicking of displeasure. I put them in the grass, in the direction that he/she was pointed and said, “Goodbye! Be safe!” I got back in my car, pleased that I had saved a life, but annoyed that I would be even later to the yard sale now. It was very overcast, but the sun came out briefly, as if to say “well done!” I started off down the road, but realized that I had left my cash at home, so I returned to get it. On the way back, there was yet another turtle in the same predicament. I helped that one too, as I thankfully put my make-shift gloves on the floorboard of my car. It’s amazing how God utilizes you when you least expect it! I then pulled up in my driveway and ran in to get my yard sale cash.

On my way (again) to get to the yard sale, I was nearly there when I saw two turtles on the state road, one hiding in his shell, and the other upside down. My heard leaped with fear a little bit, as I knew one of them had been hit. I helped the scared one across, in the direction he was going. When I turned back to the upside down turtle, I honestly thought it was dead. I scooted it gently to the side of the road, so her body could have some dignity. (Mental note to self: wash your tennis shoes). As soon as it touched grass, the legs and tail started moving. I gasped and picked it up. The head was still hidden and there was blood, but I couldn’t see the extent of the damage. This was probably a pair getting ready to mate. I said a silent short prayer for the turtle and went on. I couldn’t take it home, as it was a box turtle and they’re still endangered and protected. I went on to my destination.

I am happy to say that I made it to my yard sale and got a treasure that I didn’t expect. I think, however, I am more pleased that I aided four endangered creatures today. I feel a little bit that I have been the turtle in my own life scenarios, with God helping me to cross the road against my will. Many times, what I had that I thought were bad situations was the Lord assisting me and things turning out okay — if only I had allowed God to take me across, instead of just rescuing me from my own willfulness! I’ve been scared and hidden in my own shell and He gently picked me up. I have also been the injured turtle, where God has put me back where I had come from, to rest and recoupe and to try again. I had been chasing the wrong things and they nearly had gotten me badly hurt and nearly killed! What an wonderful lessons and experiences I had today!

So, friends, BE THE TURTLE. They’re wise, and calculating, and they are slow/steady to the finish. Plus, their anatomy is geared to look directly up to God with their home being within (Him)– we should all do that more. DO NOT, I repeat, do not be the hurried jack rabbit I was trying to be today. I would have missed SO much!

Love and light! <3

NOTE: It’s summer, so help our little shelled friends if you safely can!