Friday, August 31, 2012

can't find what you're looking for...




As a kid it seemed everybody's dad had some kind of work bench. Whether just hammer and nails, or a full blown lathe with tools, as a kid you wanted to work with it. But had to deal with the fact you weren't old enough, but someday you could. Soon, Mike, you're still young, late fifties,...It was a time when dads fixed things from garden hoses to screens. Nothing got thrown away, but saved, as it may become needed and valuable some day. And many of us carry on the tradition still, for when looking around my garage I find motorcycle parts I know I will never use. What is the demand for luggage racks for a 2000 Sprint RS? Mirrors for a 2006 Tiger? And I even have a space for parts from my 1990 Crown Vic, parts that should be thrown away, yet I can't seem to part with them. Is it me-or the parts? Or both?
Thanks to China and other nations who don't pay their employees a fair wage, we have numerous replacement parts available. Replace the part-cheaper and faster than fixing the old. But not as satisfying. We spend more time in line at Home Cheepo than replacing the part. What did you do Saturday morning, fix the faucet or wait in line?
Remember changing your own oil? Replacing your spark plugs? How about washing your own car? In many cases memories, now we have quick lube who can do it faster and cheaper-but not necessarily better. Spark plugs-every 100,000 miles-if you get them out! See you at the car wash-not as good as you used to do, but it gives you more time to wait in line to have these things done.
And what about the work bench? It still may be there, but the tools are long gone. Now it has beach chairs, dog leashes, and at my house add motorcycle parts. Somewhere under there is a work bench-just waiting for you. But today many are just a depository for junk we don't have room for anywhere else. Too many things, just not enough things to do. Add that to the list.
I have always found that maintenance is cheaper than repairs. Not that maintenance is cheap, but you can save time and effort, and money by being smart now. A form of maintenance. We all know the Jiffy Lube mantra about every 3000 mile oil changes, but what about our walk with God? Many approach it as a penalty for knowing Him, and an hour a week seems like eternity to them. Not realizing the decision you make for Jesus today will dictate where you spend eternity. We rather wait until our kids are in trouble, rather than instruct them now. Teach them morals-then you won't need as many rules. Put down the cell phone and talk with your kids. You might learn something. And you all may avoid problems later. Lead by example-you may find out you already are, and the example is not one you want your kids to emulate.
Use life to be a workbench. Jesus is all the tools you need. Many precious times are spent with Him just visiting. Or hanging out, with no particular plan in mind, just hanging with Jesus. And maybe your kids-or spouse. Let go of things from the past-so much is just clutter, pass it on to someone who needs it-maybe just give it away for free. And watch as your life becomes less cluttered and you are free from the burden of things. The freedom found in Christ now becomes part of your family. And everyday life.
But like the proper use of a work bench, it takes work. Effort, and a commitment. Anything done well does. Check out Jesus today. Start clearing off the work bench-you may find things you couldn't find and thought you had lost. Kids and family included. Along with self respect-which you will transfer to others in love.
Every tool has a purpose, and a place. Find your place in Jesus, and find your true purpose. The time spent today will have an impact on tomorrow. Maintenance is still cheaper than repairs-pay me now or pay me later.
Jesus already paid the price. Take full advantage of it now, before today becomes yesterday, and the bench of life cluttered with junk. Jesus Christ-the right tool at the right time-for all times!
And enjoy the day spending it with your dad.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com