GOD CAUGHT DAVEN
In the summer of 2002, I had a call from one of my electricians, Kent. “Daven fell.” How high, I asked. “12 feet…the ambulance is on its way.” Is he conscious, I asked? “Yes.” Daven was working with Kent on a project and they were above a high false ceiling space. They came to the end of the building and Kent told Daven: “Follow me.” Kent took a step onto the top of the tile wall; Daven stepped over the solid tile wall onto the false ceiling and fell 15′ to the asphalt below.
What does a parent think when he hears news that his child had fallen 12′? Broken neck. Broken back. Broken spine. Broken legs would have been good news. My day was one of intense worry, and my soul doesn’t handle worry very well. Especially when I saw them wheel Daven into the Emergency room on a gurney with his neck immobilized. I drew closer to Jesus that day. The only thing that went through my mind was “Oh, God; Oh, God.” We rejoiced when we received the doctor’s good news that Daven would be fine. He said if there was one place in his pelvis to have a fracture, this was it as he pointed to the Xrays.
The next month we went to Disneyland. We had planned this as an extension of our visit to Focus on the Family’s 25th year anniversary event. All was well, except Daven was on crutches. However, when we found out that Daven could get a wheelchair and that anyone in a wheelchair could enter any ride first. Our trip was made. We could see God working out good, in multiple ways.
No parent loves bad news about their children, but it’s sad that my joy was tied in to Daven being OK. How would I have handled it had he been crippled for life. I will never know, but I know that much more investment in my spirit and soul is needed so I can handle anything life throws at me. God knows this.
This episode shook up my foundation. Even though I was already saved and living life as a Christian for 8 years, I realized that I must have been a weak Christian if my joy was tied to God catching Daven with an angel.
Family was always important, but Daven’s fall helped to increased my trust in God and the value of the family many times over. My family was central to my joy and I realized the ability that God had to upset the apple cart. I realized how actually weak my faith was, but also the favor and protection our family had from God.