VIP Parking? Beware…

“Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.” Psalm 37:24

When I pulled into the Barnes and Noble parking lot, it was as busy as usual. And why not? It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday and folks were out and about hitting all the stores in town.

This particular shopping plaza was always full of cars, and as I went up and down rows I resigned myself to the fact that I’d have to park six miles away and hike back to the bookstore.

Then I saw it! A parking spot right near the entrance! I sped up slightly, convinced I’d have to battle someone else to park there. There was nobody around as I pulled my sedan in to place, grinning ear to ear in the best parking space in the plaza. Sweet!

I confidently grabbed my wallet, opened the door, and stepped out into the parking lot. As soon as my foot hit the asphalt and I put some weight on it, my leg shot out from under me and I fell into the door then onto the pavement in a heap.

What in the world?! It was like I stepped onto a greased lightning bolt! I pushed myself up and that’s when I saw the culprit.

Smashed into my shoe and smeared on the pavement was the remains of a banana peel. Being a fan of classic slapstick humor, I had to laugh at the cartoonish scenario.

Sometimes God parts the sea for us and blesses us tremendously. It’s those times when calamity is least expected, since our focus tends to be only on the blessing or the “good times”. Stay vigilant and aware during such times.

I have tripped and fallen numerous times since then, but I always quote today’s verse when that happens. It reminds me that stumbling might happen in life, but it will never be toward my demise.

Enjoy His blessings but stay vigilant lest you fall. But if you do fall, remember that in Christ you’ll never fall into eternal damnation, you’ll only stumble toward eternal life.