Choices, Consequences, and That One Time I Got Hit by a Truck

Life is full of choices. Some are small—like whether to grab another cup of coffee (the answer is always yes). Others carry a little more weight—like whether or not to, say, take your parents’ brand-new car for a joyride without a license.

Now, I’d love to tell you that teenage me made wise, well-thought-out decisions. But, well… let’s just jump into the story.

The Great Church Parking Lot Getaway

I was 16, had my learner’s permit, and thought I had life figured out. My parents were teaching their Sunday school class, and I figured that was the perfect time to take their new car for a spin. I mean, what could go wrong? My buddy Cody and I hopped in and made our totally inconspicuous escape from the church parking lot.

Unfortunately, we failed to consider one small detail—our Sunday school class was having class outside that day. Which means my Sunday school teacher saw us. And, like any good church leader, they immediately sprinted inside to snitch—I mean, lovingly inform—my parents.

Now, if you’re going to commit a teenage act of rebellion, you might as well make a pit stop for tacos. So naturally, we hit up Taco Bell. And if you’ve ever eaten Taco Bell in a car, you know that it doesn’t just leave memories—it leaves evidence. Shredded cheese all over the floorboard. Tomatoes on the seats. And, of course, that distinct, unmistakable Taco Bell aroma hanging in the air like a confession.

Even if we hadn’t been caught, the car was practically yelling, “WE DID SOMETHING STUPID!”

But the real moment of reckoning came when we pulled back into the church parking lot. My parents were waiting. And their faces told me everything I needed to know—this was not going to end well for me.

Consequences Come for Us All

Growing up, my mom always said, “Your choices have consequences.” And, well… this one did.

I was grounded for the rest of summer break. And with only a few weeks left before school started, that meant I had plenty of time to enjoy quality bonding with my push mower and our half-acre yard.

But, as if I hadn’t learned my lesson, I made another great decision shortly after.

The Bike, the Truck, and the End of My Favorite Pants

One day, during my grounding, my mom told me to stay home and sign for a package. Pretty straightforward, right? But teenage logic said, “Nah, I’ll just go hang out with my friends. What could go wrong?”

Now, my bike was locked up. But my mom’s bike? That was fair game. So, off I went, riding across town without a care in the world.

Hours later, I saw the delivery truck leaving my friend’s neighborhood—which meant it was heading straight to my house. Panic set in. I jumped on my mom’s bike and started booking it home, taking every shortcut possible, dodging through yards, cutting through alleys—basically, my own personal Tour de France.

Then, I hit the main road. I glanced left. I glanced right. Looked clear. I went.

I was wrong.

Halfway across, I heard it—screeching brakes. I turned my head just in time to see a truck barreling toward me. And before I could react—BAM.

I was okay. The bike? Totaled. My favorite pair of pants? Ripped beyond repair. And my grounding? Extended.

Once again, choices and consequences struck.

The Bigger Picture

Here’s the thing—God gives us the ability to make our own choices. But that also means we have to live with the results of those choices.

Some decisions have minor consequences. Others? They can change everything. But no matter how many times we mess up (and trust me, I’ve had my fair share), we have a God who offers forgiveness, grace, and a fresh start.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds 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."

We won’t always make the right choices. Sometimes, we’ll take the joyride. Sometimes, we’ll run from responsibility. And sometimes, we’ll get hit by a truck (metaphorically or literally).

But the good news? God doesn’t leave us in our failures. He offers hope, redemption, and a new path forward.

So, if you’ve made some bad choices—welcome to the club. Learn from them, lean on Jesus, and maybe, just maybe, think twice before sneaking out in your parents’ car.