تحطمت سيارتي وملأني الفرح

My car crashed and I was joyful !

One of the fathers told us this true story that happened during one of his pastoral visits abroad. The visit began when I set out with some bishops and priests to the house of a resident in a European country, and with us was a young, single man known for his simplicity.

The young man told us a story he experienced himself: I owned a new car which was completely wrecked in an accident, then I bought the car I am using now. I was very happy when the car was wrecked because I felt I deserved what happened! The young man continued to tell us his story: “I came to this city, and I committed in my heart to keep myself pure; I started like many youths coming from Egypt, working in a restaurant, to make a living in a foreign country. I was surprised that my boss loved me very much. She tried to get close to me by every mean. She confided to me that she was thinking of divorcing her husband and asked if I would marry her, but I absolutely refused and made it clear to her that I would never accept such a relationship.

She took advantage of the circumstances of my being a stranger, so she would ask the restaurant manager to allow me to accompany her on restaurant-related errands, thinking that our being alone together in the car might persuade me. She tried in every way to be alone with me, but I was serious with her in my thoughts and conduct. She tried to kiss me, but I refused. I was determined in my heart not to sin no matter what it cost me. But under severe pressure one day, I gave in for a few moments, but I quickly realized what I did. I became very sad even though I did not commit evil all the way. I could not tolerate my leniency and felt that I had lost a lot… and she stood in front of me amazed at what was happening, as if I were abnormal and had no feelings.

My sin was clear before me, and I realized that I deserved Divine discipline so that sin would make my life bitter, this sin to which I had succumbed for moments. I repented before God and felt constant remorse. I confessed my sin before my father of confession, and promised God in his presence that I would not stay in this job regardless of the circumstances.

A few days later, I was with a friend of mine in my car heading somewhere. We were listening to some rousing music instead of making better use of our time. Immediately, I stretched out my hand, took out the CD that was playing and replaced it with a CD of the Holy Liturgy. As I listened to the recording of the Liturgy, I found joy in the Lord. Then it reached the point when the priest said: ‘Meet and Right; Meet and Right…’ and suddenly a drunken man jumped in front of my car. It was nighttime, and we were on a rural road. As I tried to avoid him, I lost control and the car veered off the road and flipped with us five times.

I found myself and my friend outside the car; how? I do not know! especially since I had the seatbelt on. I looked at my friend and said to him while I examined the car: “I am very happy!” My friend looked at me thinking I was hallucinating because of the shock. I continued saying: “I know why God permitted this accident to wreck the car. I thank Him for His love and care for me.” My sincere happiness was obvious.

The police officer came to inspect the accident and asked me: “Who is inside the car?” as he expected that whoever was inside it must have died. I said to him: “No one; my friend and I came out as you see us, without a scratch!”

The police officer said in amazement: “Impossible! How did you get out of the car when it was completely wrecked?!” Then he continued: “Last week, in this same location, a car veered off, flipped the same way, and the driver died!”

I returned to my house and considered myself to have gained a lot… I do not know what this gain is, but my heart was delighted, and I was filled with deep joy despite not having enough money to buy another car, and the insurance did not cover the repairs.

The young man completed his story and told us that when he returned, he had decided to resign quickly, not for fear of more punishment, Divine discipline, or financial loss – but because he longed for his soul’s salvation.

He told us how he felt the Hand of God pushing him to leave. His boss, who realized that all means of kindness had failed to attract him, started to use pressure tactics and violence.

She started to rebuke him and accuse him publicly in front of his colleagues that he was a slow worker. Everyone knew what she said was a lie, as they knew his diligence and hard work, and that he was doing the job of three people.

His colleagues did not know the secret of her turning against him, as they believed she liked him because of his work excellence and ability. He replied to her: “If you think I work slowly, it’s because I’m trying to do the job of three people, and I need someone to help me.”

She answered in severe anger and a violent tone: “Either you speed up your work or resign.” Here he felt as if the voice of God was speaking to him through her. Without hesitation, he said to her in front of everyone “I resign.”

He threw down what was in his hand and started to leave the restaurant. His boss realized that he was serious in his decision. She, along with others, tried to get him to change his mind. She started to charm him in the hope that he would change his decision, but he insisted and left, not for his dignity, but for the sake of his eternity.

Within a week, he found another job that he was not expecting, and there was no comparison between the two jobs as far as the type of work and compensation. He felt that the Hand of God had rewarded him for caring for the salvation of his soul while he was in a foreign country and under harsh conditions, and at the expense of his needs.

A real story from the book: Short Stories for Boys

“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)