We’ve all had them. You know, those unexpected, unplanned, and usually unwanted events in life. We call them bumps, but sometimes they feel like boulders.

But before talking about the bump, I want to say that Tim has come along way! Chapter 26 of The Bridge from OneDayBow would be a surprise were it not for seeing the growth in Tim. There was a time when yardwork would have been avoided at all costs, but Tim seems completely content to be raking up leaves on this cool fall day. Tim has learned a lot, and I’m sure his Dad has noticed and appreciates the change.

Even he and Crissy are getting along better, and it seems like a great day to play some ball. But first things first, Tim would get the yard done before running off to fun. And in the meantime, Crissy asked to read the King’s Book! Which led to a good conversation between the two. (Tim really wants Crissy to go to the Bridge and meet the Son, but he knows that it is a decision that only she can make for herself.) Being patient was new to Tim, but some things can’t be rushed. 

And Tim’s patience would pay off as Crissy told him that she would go to the Bridge someday! The King was working, and Tim was grateful to be able to plant Kingdom seeds. Much better than weed seeds!

Finally the work was done and they were off in a hurry to the ballfield. And that’s when it happened. The bump in the road. And down Tim went. Hard.

If you’ve read ahead to chapter 27 you know that this is more than skinned knees or a sprained ankle. This is serious. Tim is taken to the hospital and it’s not looking good. We’ll get into that more next time, but before then I want to point something out:  Tim wasn’t doing anything wrong. It was an accident, and not some kind of punishment for being irresponsible. As we move along in the story you’ll want to remember that.  

As Christians we can make the huge mistake of facing extreme adversity with the mistaken idea that God is mad at us. If you know that you have messed up and are paying the consequences for wrong choices, that is something different. If that’s the case, you need to repent and get right with God and receive His forgiveness. But don’t be so introspective that you look for ways to feel guilty.

Difficulties are part of life. Everyone knows what a bump in the road is because everyone has them. And often they affect more than just the one person. But likewise, in God’s hands much good can result from life’s bumps.

More next time…