near misses

 

this is a photo of my most recent near miss

after mowing, I was trimming with the weed eater

toads or frogs are not normal visitors in my yard and I didn't see this little guy

but I saw movement where nothing should be moving

it startled me and froze him

seriously, he wouldn't move

I had to touch him with my toe so I could finish

and so began my day long, periodic contemplation of near misses in my life

today a near miss saved a life

my thoughts snowballed into nearly missed experiences

like the sunrise this morning

I woke up and almost didn't go down the hallway

and almost didn't go downstairs to back the porch

I almost settled for knowing the sun was coming up

I was almost satisfied with a peek from the second floor

I nearly missed the back porch experience

so close,

yet miles apart 

 

near miss:

barely avoiding something unpleasant, unwanted, painful, ugly, etc.

nearly missed:

capturing, but only by the fringe, something pleasant, welcomed, beautiful, etc.

 

a narrow margin 

of inclusion 

of exclusion 

So many memories of near misses came to mind. Times when God's hand of protection or provision covered me and kept me from danger or harm or unnecessary pain and heartache. I spoke a lot of "Thank you Lord" prayers today. 

So many memories of experiences "I nearly missed that..." Countless gifts to praise and thank Him for. 

Today I've focused on the blessings of "near misses" and "nearly missed" that are scattered throughout my life. I am confident there are more to come because I still have breath and I have a Father in heaven who loves me lavishly.