My Defining Moment: "God is Watching"

At the point in my life where exploration and experimentation led the core of my being, I found God through a near-death experience. In that awakening moment, "life" became clear to me.

God reminded me that he is always watching. A few days before the accident, I wronged my creator, and it was apparent to me that I evaded consequence, but I failed to account for God's watchful eye, and a few days later, he reminded me that he sees all. Today, God is my first and foremost. God not only sees but delights in us and protects us!

What happened? On the eve of July 4th, 2016, I totaled my car, falling asleep behind the wheel. I had little regard for my life or my friend's life. Upon impact, the front passenger wheel tore off the car, the airbags activated, and I woke and hit the brakes. I vividly remember my SUV's three complete spins upon hitting the brakes. Time stood still, and I waited for the car to tip over. 1......2......3.......4......5. IT NEVER DID. I was spared. But WHY?

I answered that "why" in a way more mature than I was at the time. I asked myself what I could have done to deserve such a "High Caliber, Open Miracle"? I attributed it ALL to one act of kindness. I thought that one lone good deed saved me.

In the days that followed, I asked myself, How do I want to be remembered? What do I want to achieve? The legacy I intend to leave behind. I knew, above all, that I needed to accumulate new merits for living. I believe that you deserve to be saved if you experience a miracle. I recognized that I should've died and was spared. I had best think I'm deficient in the department of "merits." I was sure that they'd been all used up.

What's the lesson? When you give to others, you get much more than you think you're surrendering. Our creator can give and take with ease. Generosity has no price, and one only stands to gain in the long run. Acts of kindness and charity are the only funds you bring to heaven to speak on your behalf. Our time on earth is finite. I choose to enhance my eternal bank account in any way possible.

While the rewards of God are beyond human comprehension, and no one can ever be certain about determining cause and effect when considering God's reasoning, I concluded that my miracle was earned.

Putting it all Together: A verse in Judaism corresponds to my Hebrew name Reuben. (The only reason I am aware of the verse) "Look, Says the Teacher, this is what I have discovered, adding one thing to another to discover the scheme of a thing. If I ever accredit a quote to myself, this is it. I named it "Deserving of Life." "Acts of Kindness (1) are the Currencies (1) used to pay for (=) Tenancy in this world.”