There have been several prominent news stories recently regarding insurance companies that lack financial solvency. If you are insured with State Farm, you don’t have a thing to worry about. I am paying them enough in car insurance premiums alone to keep them fiscally sound for decades. It is called having two male drivers under the age of 25. I think they must know that a third one is waiting in the wings, and are charging me accordingly. Actually I don’t’ have a thing to complain about. State Farm has been a good neighbor to me through some difficult moments with those teenage drivers. In fact, I am very grateful to every individual and organization that has helped me get those boys raised.

Last week I actually had the audacity to complain. I received an invoice in the mail that reflected a new driver, and an additional vehicle to the Knox fleet. I whined and grumbled under my breath that entire morning. I entertained the idea of selling all of my vehicles and purchasing a new fleet of “beaters” for each of us to drive. Jan shared some information with me the next day that changed everything.

She found out that one of the immediate tasks that my brother in law had to complete in the days following his 17 year old son’s death was to cancel the car insurance on the young man’s car. The biblical phrase “cut to the heart” comes to mind, as I reflect back on my reaction. I was felt tremendous empathy and compassion for my brother in law. I could not hold the tears back. I realized immediately that I actually had the audacity to complain.

In the days following that incident, I have had the opportunity to visit with a dear friend who has lost not one, but two sons. The same evening I encountered another special friend who recounted to me what it is like to experience “grief triggers.” Seeing a sea of police units investigating a major accident triggered flashbacks of her young son’s untimely death… I tried to listen. I tried to keep the commentary to a minimum. Active listening is so important in terms of serving those in grief. But I was again cut to the heart. I had the audacity a few days earlier to complain. Today I am thankful. I even am grateful to pay insurance premiums. God works on our hearts in very mysterious, but convicting ways.
My prayer is that I will never stop listening.