This is for all of you who thought one more turn of the wrench will secure the bolt only to find it spinning freely. And then decided to over tighten the next one, and end up with pieces in your hand. And to those of us who marvel at how much faster oil runs out the bottom with no drain plug than you can can pour it in the top, and how no pan under it to catch it only increases that velocity, you are not alone. Long before AC/DC's song Highway to Hell, we were told that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Congratulations to those of us who are living proof.
We are not a small group, as I have had trained technicians pour 24 quarts of oil in a V-8, not realizing the extra 18 quarts would cause a static lock up condition, bending rods. Physics lesson for the day-gasses and solids will compress, liquids don't. That is why hydraulics work so well. I have also been with guys who back when old school was preschool, not know about metric. 3.5 litres meant gallons to them, their helper even agreed. See story on 24 quart tech. I have also known men who run their bikes with one less quart than recommended. Saves wear and tear on oil pump. Their bike isn't the only thing a quart low. And I have also seen younger riders, looking to save weight-obviously no Harley owner, being told the reason the tire weighs so much is because it has 35 pounds in it. So they release the psi to 25 or 30 to save weight. And then wonder why their bike shakes in the corner. Chico Marx's advice works well here, "why don't you drill a hole in your head and let the sap run out!"
My family has learned that when dad fixes something, hide. Then get ready to visit urgent care. Which makes me wonder when I have finished fixing something, why do I have all these extra parts? But am missing pieces from my fingers? Think of the money and weight saving they could achieve by following my directions!
I have heard some interesting stories from churches, too. My favorite, God helps those who help themselves, well it just ain't in the Bible. Interestingly enough, Psalm 118:8 tells us to trust God and not princes. And it is conveniently the middle verse in the Bible. And more interestingly there are 1188 verses before it, and 1188 after it. And no extra parts left off.
So many people feel the need to advise God in their situation, as if God took a break from them. Aren't you glad He doesn't? Constantly seeking an answer, but never allowing God to get a word in edgewise. Listening, the most important part of prayer. And they wonder why they don't hear from God when their line is always busy. Others get hung up on works, or the law. Ephesians very simply tells us that we are saved by grace. But yet I see so many who have sinned, feel the need to read extra scripture, pray more, or attend more weekly services. Not bad things, but you can't earn grace. And if you could, would you be willing to hang on a cross to earn it? Aren't we trying to get out from under the law, remember Jesus said it brings death, grace brings life. Think about it, don't you ride for the freedom in it, the spirit, or is it to obey all the signs advising you along the way. Do this, don't do that-just obey the signs!
Life in Jesus is just that-free in the spirit. So next time you forget to put the side stand down-rookie, or try to fill your tank with diesel, because it's 10 cents a gallon cheaper, take time to keep your eyes on what's in front of you. Be patient, or you may become one.
And if when you have a problem, someone shows up with a tool kit of vise grips, hammer, and Phillips screw driver-and an adjustable wrench, say no thanks, I'll wait. And if he has adjustable wrenches in both metric and standard, start pushing-NOW! This may be the guy with the light tires, and missing nuts and bolts. Or he just may be a Christian, trying to help. But beware. You see Peter, back when he was Simon, tried to walk on water with Jesus. And he did, until he disobeyed and looked down. And sank. Like a rock. Few believers know that at that point Jesus decided to rename him Peter, the rock. It just wasn't the time to announce it yet. That was love. You see some sink like a rock, and some are standing on the rock. How you handle the situation will tell you all about the tools in your kit. And how you are using them.
Adequate is how Paul describes Jesus-not too much or too little. Just the right amount. Now if you would, hand me a wrench. Doesn't matter what size, but the bigger the better. I need to use it as a hammer....Sorry AC/DC, there is also another road I prefer to be on.
Grace really is amazing, isn't it?
love with compassion, and extra parts,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com