Wednesday, August 29, 2012

just an old car with faded paint




While cruising through the auto park, I noticed lots of signs announcing the 2013's, and huge discounts on the 2012's. Amazing how just a few weeks ago they were worth so much more, but now must be cleared to make room for the same cars in different shades of gray at higher prices. But with so many used, excuse me pre-owned cars filling lots, you wonder why buy new. While the sales force is telling you what a deal you are getting on the latest new car, suddenly it is old and a liability when you go to trade it in. And there is no intrinsic trade value to sentiment, so you are left to either go with the higher payments, along with the new car, or endure another year with your old car, which looks much like the new ones. More times than not you will end up with the higher payments, after all new looks so much better showing off to your friends. And after you have shown all who care, and many who don't, you make the first payment and all the new is gone. Cycle to be repeated again in 4-5 years.
When our economy was booming, in the pre-Obama days, new cars were purchased every 2-3 years. Now the average age of the cars on the road is over ten years, and I am finally average in something, driving a 2001 and a 2003. And a 1995, and Uncle Buck-a 1990. So I am actually above average. Wonder how that will effect my trade-in negotiations? And so the games continue.....
Back to Uncle Buck. Most guys that ride have an older car for going to get parts, and for the monsoon season. Uncle Buck fills the bill. Big, comfortable, and with lousy gas mileage, he reminds me of why I ride. Paint fading, but a super clean interior, tires fair-do I sound like I am selling a used car, most look at him as just an old car with bad paint, but everyone seems to think he is cool. The same car your parents, or heaven forbid your grandparents would own, despite your urging for the red convertible, is now cool. I just don't get this generation and their affinity for sedans. Unless it is for easier access to the back seat. For kids, of course. But Uncle Buck seems to defy even the rudest Wal-Mart shopper when confronted in the parking lot, easily filling any space, allowing room for over $300 of Costco to fit in his trunk, and ride in luxury, set apart from the world outside. Such a deal. And he is paid for.
Sure the patina is faded, what is patina anyway? So rather than put money into him, I just drive him when needed. No payments, basic insurance, and a coolness not found in any other sedan. You drive a Toynismazhon? Sadly he is gray, a concession to style even 22 years ago. Get over it.
From time to time someone famous gets saved and explodes on the market. Stations brag about how he will bring more into the kingdom-neglecting God who got all of us there to start with. Taking a new convert, exposing him to the pressures of fame-aka pride, and then wondering why in a few months he is back to where he came from. Like the new car, once he has been seen by many, the new wears off, and he is just the same person. God warns of this, even telling us old friends are better than new ones. How the older should take care of the young. The best example I have seen is among mechanics-you still can't teach experience! But yet we give up the security of Jesus for a few fleeting moments of fame. Hey, I got to meet so and so. Pardon me while we all yawn together.
Uncle Buck is a survivor. Old enough to vote, and old enough to have his own place, yet he lives home with us. So stick with what you know, or who you know-Jesus, and don't stray to anything else. Somewhere in your walk, you will find you have matured, and can begin to share with others. Maybe it is the patina test-old enough to know better, but still young enough to enjoy it. So continue to ride, maybe keep the car a year longer, and don't fall into the traps society sets. Stay with God-He is staying with you, and watch as the memories and testimonies grow. And when shared with a younger one, they too look forward to the days you are sharing about. To some you may just be an old sucker with bad teeth, but to those of us who believe you are precious.
And if you are driving an old car with faded paint, remember the best view is over the hood-where you are going. And just like the best view is over the handlebars, the best is yet to come. With memories to prove it. You can either feed the payment book, or your memory book. Only one is an investment-let your own heart decide.
Stick with Jesus-after 2000 years a style that only gets better with age...such a deal He has for you!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com