Hello, Daddy?

 by Macy Johnson

“The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord;

He is their stronghold in time of trouble.”

(Psalm 37:39 NIV)

 

“I wrecked my car and my apartment complex is on fire!”

 

Those words shot out of my mouth before my father could even say “hello.” It was the dreaded phone call that gives every parent nightmares. He calmly responded, “You’re kidding, right?”

 

As a co-op accounting student (intern) with Shell Oil Company in Houston, Texas, in 1979, I was green behind the ears. Shell’s massive Information Center situated near the Astrodome and now-defunct AstroWorld, was an impressive place for a young woman from Pensacola in her mid-twenties to work.

 

I remember that afternoon near quitting time, when several co-workers quickly gathered in the hallway on the fourth floor. The extensive west window allowed a panoramic view of black smoke billowing in the distance.

 

Cheryl, my car-pooler, turned to me and said, “I think it’s our apartment complex! We better head home NOW!”

 

We hurried to my car in the parking deck, and I drove the fastest route to get home as quickly as possible. Distracted by the smoke, I didn’t notice stalled traffic at a light up ahead. Bam! I moved forward, but the car in front of me didn’t.

 

We abandoned my Subaru several blocks from the complex. Firetrucks created a war-zone-like atmosphere. I jumped over hoses and navigated through ankle-deep water to reach my apartment.

 

I called Daddy. Isn’t that the perfect thing to do when faced with situations we cannot handle? I could have avoided the car accident, but not the fire. Wooden shingles caused the horrific blaze. Daddy knew what to do. God does, too.

I will trust my heavenly Father to guide me when I face the next catastrophe in my life. I hope you will, too!