I first met Lou Martinez when I was pumping gas in Durango at a Phillips 66 station. He was renting the two bays in the back of the building, and was open virtually 24/7, seems someone's old car was always needing repairs. When it got too much for the neighbors, he was asked to leave, and found a place about six miles out of town on the way to Bayfield. Belonging to a friend, it was an old cinder block building, on some acreage, about a quarter mile off the highway. It was adjacent to an old house trailer, where he lived with Anna Lee, and her three kids. More out of convenience than out of sin. The driveway had been gravel at one time, and during rain or snow was almost impassable. But it worked for Lou, and his customer's, so that was all that mattered.
Lou was from Chicago, I think, and had been a medical illustrator. His shop was always busy, and when no one else in town could fix your car, they sent them to Lou. Lou did business on a handshake-only needed when you first met, then after that all was done on a friendship agreement. Lou would fix many cars, knowing he would never get paid, but that this person needed it to get to work, since they had a family. No estimates, or invoices, just a fair deal-the way business should be done. And I had seen him take things in trade that he knew he would never use, just so the person could ease his guilty conscience about not being able to pay.
The sink in the kitchen of the trailer served as the parts washer, so they ate fast food and the occasional pizza. And when the pizza delivery boy would ask "hey Lou, while I'm here can you take a look at my car?" he would, after fixing the pizza guy's car, often eating cold pizza hours later just before falling into bed exhausted. And he was always busy, and never refused anyone-except for the rare times when he went out of town, and there would be a line of cars waiting when he got back.
Lou helped me out too, and would get you back on the road. "I just straightened the linkage, pay me when I fix it by replacing the bushings." And it ran so well you forgot about the bushings. Clyde, the young guy who worked with him actually sold me my 1963 Corvair Greenbriar van. And then bought it back when he got married, he needed a vehicle that would run, and he felt he could make that old Corvair roadworthy. The whole time the van never leaving Lou's while in-between owners. Most of Lou's deals were ended with the question, "how much can you give me now?" Letting the person take the car, knowing he would get paid someday. And somehow, always did. And not overcharging the ones who could take their car to the dealer, but chose Lou because he was fair. Even Anna Lee's kids helped out, the oldest not yet a teenager, and they knew which tool or part Lou needed when he asked. Everyone helping out.
Lou was a true caregiver for cars. A true servant to us with broken machines. And as a caregiver, usually ended up being abused somehow, as most caregivers are as a group. A true bond servant, who like Jesus voluntarily served-not asking when, how, why, where,or who, just doing what was needed. Fill the need, the rewards will come later. And the world needs more Lou's, for like George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life, he never got rich, but was a rich man. His assets were based in people, not things, and it seems everyone owed him something. I heard a lot of Lou stories in my time. A successful man-doing what he loved to do. Giving more than he took, and everybody's friend.
Father Al tells me the story of a young priest who came to the chapel. When he found out that Father Al was looking for someone to help him run it, he approached Father Al, explaining how God had put this on his heart. Sadly his mind changed when told there was no salary or benefits-being told where God guides He provides, and is His time, miraculously, but always on time. At that point either his dream or vision changed, maybe just got cloudy a little, as he moved on.
I watched a woman one time complain about paying $20 to have her air conditioning on her Mercedes Benz repaired. "You only replaced a fuse," she cried. The tech replying "but I knew which one." You see he had wisdom, and direction-and a little experience. Just like we have in our relationship with God. We know Him and trust Him because He never let's us down. So don't be like the Bible study leader who opens in prayer "God have your way with us," and then follows it up with a timetable and rules. You see the law will quench the spirit, but the spirit gives life. And wisdom, just like Lou fixing cars. I don't know where he was with Jesus, but many lessons can still be learned from him.
As you go today, trust God in your situations. He will provide, but you must let Him. It's been almost 30 years since I saw Lou, but God is eternal,and like Lou, never rests until the job is done. His prices are fair-if you consider the cost-His own son, they are too cheap, and He is always open. Ask Him into your life today-and drive away rested and refreshed.
love with compassion,
Mike
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