for granted

What we tend to take for granted. That a new day will come. That a road trip is routine. That the pavement is secure beneath our wheels. That good-byes are temporary. Last night I drove home from Montreal under the speed limit due to weather conditions. Yet I had no warning when my car suddenly went out of control, for no apparent reason, careening all over the highway and ending up in the ditch, facing backwards. In order to avoid hitting me, a car travelling behind me went into the ditch as well. No one was hurt, and the cars weren't damaged. Had cars or trucks been next to me at the time, the story would no doubt have ended differently. Thankfully police arrived to watch over me until a tow truck could tow me back onto the highway. The other car was not as well-positioned, and had to wait until morning for towing. I feel very badly that this family's plans were so adversely affected by me, and can't imagine how I would be feeling today had someone been hurt because of me. The only thing I can think of that might have contributed to this event, is that I was using cruise control. In retrospect, I realize that cruise control is probably very dangerous when road conditions are less than perfect, as it keeps the car accelerating during the split second when lack of traction first occurs. Besides learning (and sharing) this practical lesson, I hope more intentionally to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness in my life, so that I may take far less for granted from day to day.