It was inevitable that Chandler would pick it up sooner or later.
We live on one of the most popular streets in Laguna Beach for downhill skateboarding. Oak Street has a gradual descent and no side street traffic for the equivalent of a two-block span, and our house is about two-thirds of the way down. It’s not uncommon for skateboarders to be reaching speeds of 30 mph by the time they reach our house. There is the whole culture of a growing sport going on outside my house almost every day. Our street is where they learn before taking on the bigger hills of Laguna where they can reach speeds of 60 mph.
Chandler was probably going close to the top speed for our street yesterday when he collided with another boarder and ended up under our neighbor’s car. He came in crying, his face bloodied with what looked to be half of Oak Street ground into his upper lip. Further inspection revealed scrapes on his arms and side where the street took most of his skin. Poor guy. I felt so sorry for him but I had to go to work, so Marti took him to the hospital.
A couple hours later I got the simple text from Marti: “Chandler wants you.” That’s all it took. I got my shift covered and got to the hospital in time to see the plastic surgeon finish sewing up his upper lip. There wasn’t anything for me to do there, and Chandler didn’t make a big deal about me coming. It was just important that I be there.
I wonder how many times we show up for the Lord and nothing happens. That shouldn’t matter because we do not know the whole story. I may never know how important it was to Chandler that I showed up at the hospital, but I did. When God wants you, you don’t ask questions; you just show up.
John Fischer The Catch 
Hi Jon & Marti,
Praying that Chandler will heal quickly. Hope the other person involved in the accident is ok?
Could someone please share their thoughts on what is a 21st century Christian?
God Bless,
Wanda
A 21st century Christian? Hmmm. Actually shouldn’t be much different than a first century Christian.
Thank you so much! 🙂
Just had to smile….I had a “Chandler”……somehow he survived his 8 broken bones growing up,, via snowboards, skimboards, longboards, and skateboards. When it’s in them, all you can do is hang on for the ride, PRAY for safety and have good insurance! Thankfully bones and scrapes heal but had you not gone when he asked for you….that might have been a deeper wound that would have never healed! You done good Dad! God Bless, Toni
Yes. Now about that insurance… Wish I had a better story there. This caught us off guard.
Definitely praying for Chandler’s quick and complete recovery. Flesh wounds from asphalt or concrete (road rash as it was referred to in the fire department) can be some of the most painful. But as Toni said above, had you not shown up for him when he asked for you, that wound would likely be there far after the physical wound was healed and forgotten.
You have no idea how timely this message was for me after something that happened to me in our church service last night. God speaks when we take the time to listen.
Blessings,
David
Glad to hear Chandler’s suffering caused a benefit to you. That probably won’t mean a lot to him right now but it means a lot to me.
Dear John —
Right away, I thought of how God always shows up for us, in one “way” or another, everytime we
call to Him. Of course, He’s with us 24/7, but He understands, I think, when we particularly need to feel His nearness. I know that what you and Marti did for your son means more to him than he can say.
To have a Dad who leaves work to come be with him? That’s a lifelong gift. I will pray for the fiscal strain this ER visit adds to your budget. Laura