Isn't it amazing how you think you are doing one thing but somehow, there are other plans that you don't know about? Here is my story.

The other day, I got up at 5:30 a.m. to ride my bike along the canal system that we have in Central Arizona. As I rode, I became aware of a hovering helicopter, which is unusual but especially so at that time of day. I knew that something was not right.

As I got closer I could see a whole bunch of flashing lights and concluded very quickly that there must have been a bad accident. There were six firetrucks at the scene. Six!

As I rode by, I couldn't help but look. What caught my attention first was the unbelievably demolished sedan. The entire drivers side was gone - just gone.  You have to see it to believe it.

As I observed the accident scene, I became aware of three things. First, the wreck was at the intersection nearest my daughters Junior High School. On the large sign in front of the school was the ironic message "Have a Safe Summer."

Second, behind me I could hear the happy splashing of kids at swim lessons in the community pool. They were totally unaware of the devastation only a few hundred feet away.

Finally, I noticed a sheet pulled over a lifeless form in the front seat. This was a solemn moment. A human being, probably on their way to the store or to drop a kid off at the pool had just met with fatal misfortune. They may have even said to a loved one before leaving home "I'll be right back."

As I rode home, I took inventory of the things for which I was thankful. That day, I got a nice dose of exercise but a really healthy dose of perspective.