250 Words about God’s Providence

I’ve been thinking a lot about God’s providence ever since my SCA^*. 

My daughter Charlene did CPR on me for at least 15 minutes before the Campbell Volunteer Fire Department arrived and took over. But as I reflect on her being there at 4 a.m. to save my life, I’m amazed at God’s providence

Years ago, half-jokingly, I’d told both our kids that if they ever wanted to move out to our place, I’d give them some land. And although I was joking, I was also totally serious. 

Several years ago, Charlene decided to take me up on my offer and we now have our daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter as next-door neighbors.

What if I hadn’t jokingly offered to give her land?

We also watch our granddaughter Eva while Charlene works in Rockwall. This requires her to bring Eva over early and put her to bed in our extra room before she leaves for work. 

What if we didn’t watch Eva, and Charlene didn’t have to get up so early? Would she have been able to get over here in time?

And what if Charlene hadn’t decided to become a dental assistant, which means she had to be certified in CPR?

All that to say that my survival, already described to me as miraculous by multiple medical professionals, is made even more miraculous by the intricate interweaving of decisions and choices made over decades.

You can call it coincidence if you want to.

I prefer to call it God’s providence.

^{*SCA (Sudden Cardiac Arrest)}