“Nothing is going wrong.”
That’s what I whispered to myself as I heard the dreaded thud, thud, thud, knowing instantly my tire had popped. I slowly pulled off into a stranger’s driveway.
I had heard a strange, repetitive noise as I left the shopping center and something in me knew something wasn’t right. I pulled into a small apartment complex and did a quick walk-around. Everything looked fine — no tire looked low. So, I got back in and drove a few more feet. Still the noise.
This time, I grabbed my tire gauge and checked again. Before I even touched the valve, I saw it: a massive bolt embedded deep into the tread.
“Well… that’ll do it.”
Despite the bolt, the tire pressure was still normal. I was close to Costco and knew they could get me in. So, I drove slowly, sticking to side roads, and i was just minutes away when I hit a bump — and heard that sound. The tire was done.
I pulled over, assessed the damage, and started gathering my tools from the trunk. I’d done this before and knew the drill — thankfully no freshly painted nails this time! The two little boys in the back were calm and content (a blessing in itself), and I hoped we wouldn’t be stuck too long.
But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get the lug nuts off.
Thankfully, Dan was off work that day before heading out for our annual family camping trip. He arrived soon after, changed the tire, and got the donut on. We made it to the garage without another incident. Even better — the guys were able to repair the tire. No need for a replacement.
I drove home overflowing with gratitude, marveling at all that had gone right:
- That morning had brought a torrential downpour. But when the tire issue happened, the skies had cleared. I didn’t have to navigate any of that in the rain.
- I was driving the Prius — not the van that was leaving for our family trip. A flat on the van could’ve derailed the trip.
- The tire held on until I was just minutes from the garage, and I was on a quiet road with no one behind me.
- The boys were so patient. No crying. No complaining. For hours.
- My favorite moment of the day? Snapping this picture — capturing a powerful learning opportunity for my kids. They watched how we handled unexpected setbacks, how we rely on each other, and how God always provides.
It’s easy to feel like “everything is going wrong.” Believe me — I get it. But what if we pause and ask:
What’s going right? What can we learn in the mess? What’s the gift in the breakdown?
This is the kind of reflection I do with my life coaching clients. It’s not about sugar-coating things or just “thinking positive.” It’s about looking deeper. Finding meaning. Learning from life as it happens.
Because hidden in the interruptions are often the exact lessons, provisions, and growth we never knew we needed.
You just have to be willing to look for them.