There was no warning. The deer was already running when it came onto the road. I slammed on the brakes. Good thing nobody was tailgating. Any collision involving a 12 year old car is usually bad for the car. Parts of the front end went one way while the deer went another. While waiting for the police the deer got up and walked into the woods. Apparently he took my grill with him.
Yes, I've been driving without a grill since July. The damage was too slight for insurance and too much to pay out of pocket. Someday.......someday I'll find a grill and straighten the hood. Meanwhile I deal with many good people who remind me that the hood on my car isn't fastened properly.
I watch those car shows on TV and long for one of those guys to come along and see the goodness in my old Subaru. In the right hands it could be restored.
Since that night in the garden Peter had been walking around with a missing grill and crooked hood. He proudly boasted that he would stand with Jesus no matter what. After the arrest, two servant girls accused him of being connected to Jesus. Then an eye witness to the events in the garden questioned Peter. In a matter of a few conversations Peter did the unthinkable.
Irrepairable. Worthless. Hopeless.
After the cross, burial and rising from the grave Jesus and Peter had a conversation. In one of the greatest restoration projects of all time Jesus repaired the damage completely. Three times he asked Peter, "Do you love me?"
Expecting a cold shoulder Peter received a welcome. Anticipating punishment he found kindness. Deserving a demotion he received forgiveness. In a matter of two months Peter transformed from a scared rabbit afraid of servant girls to a bold lion confronting a huge audience in the capital. He would never be the same again.
I have done things I'm not proud of......thought I was incapable of.......thought there was no recovery from.
Like the Subaru I was damaged and guilty with no remedy.
Happily Jesus specializes in restoration projects like Peter and me. And I will never be the same again.
Hope the same is true of you.
Be strong and courageous, Mike