Linda was only 15, and had just gotten her driving permit when her dad bought the GTO. It was 1966, and this special order car was refused by the son of the owner of the dealership-he wanted a Cadillac, so the gift went up for sale, and Linda's dad bought it. She would learn to drive in it, and for the next 44 years it would be hers. Throughout high school, and even her career, even when she moved from Evansville to New York City, the GTO was part of her life. In her words, "it went everywhere from the drive-in to the prom, dates and even tee peeing." It was part of her life, and when asked for a date, would qualify the prospective datee, by asking if he was more interested in the car than her. Unashamed, many would answer the car, never a way to impress her, or get a date, but the smarter ones would answer Linda, and hope she would drive it-and that she might even let them! The car was so much a part of her, that at her tenth high school reunion, many asked if she still had the GTO. And she still does today! You didn't Linda with the car-you got the car with Linda. And you still do today.
The car is a 1966 Pontiac GTO convertible-blue, with black vinyl interior, 4 on the floor, three deuces, and still wears Uniroyal Red Line tires. Carefully restified, not restored, but repaired as needed, it shows 143,000 miles, and has been repainted. It still needs some detailing, after all something's just wear normally, just like your daily driver does, but the car is as original as it can be. All the way down to the interior and the convertible boot. And reflects many good times, in her life. A 44 year old friend, that has known her its entire life.
We also talked with a friend whose husband has stopped going to church. He had retired early, and told God he would go to church, if God provided money so he wouldn't have to work. Now that's faith. And for three years was faithful until the economy and his savings were gone, and he had to go back to work. And quit going to church, and is bitter at God. He claims God let him down. He had made a deal with Him, and God didn't uphold His end of it. Sadly this man is misled, as God makes no deals like this, and never does. His offer is a gift, you cannot negotiate a gift for it is free. But like others, when they don't get their way, blame God and walk away.
I wonder where Linda's GTO would be if she traded it when it needed brakes? Or a battery? How about replacing those expensive Redline tires after doing burnouts? Or the clutch? Factory warranties don't even cover wear items, so do we think God should cover our lifestyle, just because we attend church-based on what He can do for us? Stop and think about how ridiculous that sounds! Too bad he just wouldn't accept the free gift of salvation, and enjoy his life. The choice was his, and he chose to blame God. Don't you make the same mistake.
We had driven up in the Mustang, top down, because Theresa had hurt her back. And as always, God blessed us. Even in a car. Cruising the tree lined streets of Fullerton, then heading to the Hat for a hot pastrami sandwich, we had the top down, the Beach Boys playing through the speakers, and were happily enjoying the new suntan we were getting. And I was enjoying it with my 32 year partner! Who I won't trade!
And Brian Wilson's words were so right on. We were having fun, fun, fun! We were cruisin' with the radio blastin'-but it wasn't my daddy's car-it was my wife's! The warmth of the sun, at our backs, and the warmth of the Son in our hearts. You see you don't get the Father without the Son, Jesus. Or the Mustang without Theresa.
And sometimes, like that Saturday, it's OK to take the car. Just not a habit I intend to start. The motorcycles might get lonely and start to talk. But whatever you take, even when you do take the car, do it with the one you love, and who loves you back-as you are. And having your wife next to you just makes it that much more special.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
