As you go through life, certain truths become self evident, while some take longer to cultivate. And then there are the others that you stumble upon by sheer repititveness, and then finally the truth. Rule #4 has been cultivated over many years, starting when I was in the automotive business. It is not a hard and fast rule, but has proven itself to be true and reliable time and time again. You may not agree, but then again it's not your rule.
Rule #4-you can tell a lot about a person's life and its condition by the condition of the interior of his car.
As a service advisor, over the years you see many things, some you want and some you wish you hadn't. And this rule reflects it. Example one-if soccer mom comes in with hamburger wrappers on the floor, one or more cell phone charging devices, and mail stuck in the console, she is out of control. And so are her kids, and probably her marriage as well. She has no sense of timing, although she does understand always being late, and rather than talk to her kids, puts a DVD screen in front of them. Then wonders why they act like they do, or more accurately like she does. Why does Billy struggle at school? He's just like mom! Why is little Lulu 30 pounds overweight? Too many meals at the drive thru. And why are the late fees piling up? I have never known of a mailman to deliver to a car, so the mail had to get misplaced in your console by someone.
Oh, and the car? I change the oil every time the low oil light comes on. And I wash it when you do, when it is serviced. Life and car-outta control! And she and her husband wonder why their lives are such a mess?
I also have had men whose car is immaculate. Don't even think of eating or drinking in it. It gets washed weekly, and detailed monthly. Talks using Blu tooth, and even has a little note pad to take notes on. His kids don't like riding in his car, too many rules. And aren't allowed by it in the garage. He understands taking care of his car, and it and his life are very orderly. No room for flexibility, or even an occasional change in plans. He needs to consult his Daily Planner to see where and when he is supposed to be, and would like to conduct a pat down of his wife or friends before they ride with him. What he doesn't realize, is like his wife the pig, they are both outta control. One buried in rules, one buried without. The common denominator is that no family trips in the car are planned for the near future-or ever!
And then there is the guy, whose car is a coupe, or a two door in a world of mini vans. Who has just enough seats in his car to take his entire family should an emergency arise, but not enough to transport the soccer team to practice. Let others have the interior destroyed by the team, and let them use their gas. I enjoy my car,and I take care of it. It gets serviced, before things have to get repaired, and it shows it is cared for-but also shows signs of life. Not perfect, but lived with, and his wife is ok driving it. Just beware of her friends, who may be example number one. We don't eat in the car, but then we don't pee in other's pool, or swim in their toilet either. Common sense, and respect dictate this life, and it shows. And the other two examples think he is nuts. What he is, is normal. His kids respect the car, may even help keep it clean, and it shows in their schoolwork, choice of friends, and their attitude to life.
Does you own your car, or does it own you? Many things in life influence our decisions. Just like a pecking order in cars, bigger is better, and most expensive means we've arrived, their is a pecking order in life. And some buy into it early, and some inherit it. But few escape its trap. In our society, it is see and be seen. yes, I own a Mercedes Benz, only don't tell anyone it is 15 years old, with fast food wrappers on the dash. Or yes I own a Corvette, but won't drive it because it might get hit-or stolen. And because of perceptions, both don't enjoy their cars, but live in an allusion to others.
The Bible tells us to be happy in each situation. Not to enjoy the pain, but to look to the cross and watch as God guides you through it. Don't let the situation dictate your life, let your life dictate the situation, when led by the spirit. You see He looks at your heart, and sees the pain between the lost bills and the burger wrappers. He overlooks the mustard on the seats, and sees the confusion that got it there. He overlooks your over organized life, and loneliness of your perfect interior. He wants to ride with you, but you won't let Him. You only see someone religious laws, and not the God of the universe who loves you, and wants to see you succeed-successfully!
But you must let Him. Your choice. You must let God be God, or else you are-and that is never a good thing. Let God lead, and then you follow. Let Him into your car/life, and watch as the clutter disappears, and peace takes its place. Watch as loneliness and rules fade away, as you become a person who can love and forgive. And normal becomes letting Him into ever aspect of your life. And in all situations you find yourself thanking Him more and more.
You may think we aren't looking but we are. And so is God, who sees all. Seek Him today, and let Jesus be the answer to all your car problems, and life problems, too. Rule #4. Let Jesus rule in your heart, and watch as all the other rules fade away, and enjoy the freedom of knowing a loving, living God.
And I anticipate many mini vans seeing the light of day at the car wash this afternoon. We notice change in all aspects of your life. And wish to rejoice with you. And now may even consider riding with you! And He doesn't mean on your dash!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
