When Life Hands You an SUV: A Lesson in Trusting the Unexpected

I knew exactly what I wanted, at least I thought I did. A fun little sports car. My daughter was driving, my old SUV was undriveable, and it felt like the perfect time for my "midlife-crisis car" ,  something sporty just for me.

But life had other plans.

I searched, but every car I looked at was just not it. I mean where were all the sporty cars? I just gave up, I needed something to get me to work I thought, I'll keep looking for a sports car though.  Finally, I ended up at a dealership looking at a white sedan. Affordable, but I hated it. It wad boring, it was nice but boring. So we went to make the deal, it was fine, it was the sensible choice. But, the deal they offered was outrageous. I needed something but I'm not going to make a bad deal. On a whim, we went next door to another dealer. I asked about an Explorer I’d just seen online — but while they were getting it ready, the salesman said, “Take a look at this Expedition. It just came in. We haven’t even cleaned it yet.”

This Expedition was huge, covered in dog hair, completely not what I wanted. But why not? My mom and daughter were with me, and we decided to take it for a drive. To my surprise, I loved it. My sister even hopped in along the way, and she — who usually gets carsick — was fine. My mom, who’s not a dog person at all, liked it too, even as the dog hair was flying everywhere. I felt comfortable, safe, and confident.

But the deal wasn’t right. I went home disappointed but determined. I did my research, ran the numbers, called banks for better rates. I kept looking at other vehicles, but nothing felt right. I’d drive past that Expedition sitting there, like it was waiting for me.

Determined to give it one more go emailed the salesman, and said: “I see it’s still there. I’m ready to buy, but the price has to come down.” I had a number in mind. They countered — just $500 over what I was willing to pay. I wasn’t going to let $500 stand in the way of what felt right. The deal came together. I signed the papers and drove home in a car I never imagined wanting but absolutely loved — complete with a monthly payment I could handle and an even better interest rate than I’d arranged myself.

That car I named  Herman, named before I even purchased it. Herman Munster — big, bulky, a little awkward, but gentle and protective. 

What I Learned. God's timing is perfect. He will lead us if we listen and trust in Him. But we have to stay open to taking a “test drive” — literally or figuratively — on something outside of our plan.

If it’s right, you’ll know. And you’ll be ready to move forward with confidence when the moment comes..

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." 

Life’s unexpected turns can lead us exactly where we’re meant to go — but only if we’re willing to listen, prepare, and trust in Him.