Although the calendar says spring, seems the weather hasn't caught up to it yet. And even here in So Cal, the weather has been chilly, in the 40's at night, and only low 60's during the day. And it seems our cars know it too, as they take longer to start and warm up. Today when you go to start your computer controlled fuel injected car, you turn the key, wait up until seven seconds, think one Mississippi, two Mississippi, etc, which can seem like forever and then the car starts. And while waiting for your seat warmers to warm your tushie, you can finish shaving, put on your make-up, or make that important gossip call, while driving away and your car warming up. But life has not always been so tough, it used to be tougher.
Before computers, we had carburetors. If you are old enough to vote, plus 15 years, you may know the old procedure. Fumble with keys with gloves on, kick the accelerator twice to set the "automatic choke," turn the key until it starts, then sit and shiver while the idle races high and the car warms up. Don't even try driving away, as all the bucking and shaking would make even drinking that last cup of coffee-we weren't latte addicts yet, impossible to do without spilling. And on the rare occasions when it didn't start right away, give it more gas and hope you didn't flood the engine and it wouldn't start. A strong smell of fresh gas was a dead give away you wouldn't be starting immediately. Then you sat, getting mad, but warming up because of it, car still not running. Again.
The first car I owned was a 1969 BMW 1600, with a manual choke. You pulled out the knob to activate it, then turned the key and it would start. Only in extreme cold did you give it gas, and then monitored the idle by adjusting the choke. In many cases after a few seconds you could drive away, with the idle roaring high,but the car running smooth because of all the gas you were pouring into the carburetor, and what didn't burn went down the cylinder walls. Washing away the thin film of oil that was between you and a new engine. But you were moving, and didn't think about that, or the consequences. You were on your way, and if you were going more than 20 minutes, your car would be warmed up by the time you got there. And would repeat the procedure at the end of the day when the sun had gone down, and it was cold again. Perhaps, looking back progress wasn't such a good thing, but somehow it has just gone on too long.
No matter the situation, our lives run the same way. Hot or cold, we react to input, and our reactions sometimes are more important than our actions. And dictate our next action. God has given us His spirit, think of it as a personal computer available to guide us through all situations. But just like cars of old, and new, it all is up to us via the gas pedal. The throttle, which controls how fast and where we go. But He leaves it up to us to use the throttle, hopefully correctly. And His spirit is definitely the way to go. We don't know what is going on sometimes, and definitely not what is ahead. God does. So let His spirit, the Holy Spirit guide you. No more automatic chokes not working, aka your own understanding, and causing you other problems. No more manual chokes, where you have to make all the adjustments, and decisions. You can rely on God, and when you add throttle based on His input, you will have a smoother ride. Not necessarily a smooth ride, but a more controlled ride. For He knows the road, and where the potholes of life are. Where dead ends and detours will lead. And how best to avoid or get through them. He knows all the things you need, and makes them available to you, but the decision is yours. Once given the advice, it is up to you. For like your throttle, it depends on you for input. And how much throttle you are giving it. And Godly advice only works under one condition-you apply it!
Start your day by spending time with the Lord. Even while waiting for your car to warm up, listen for Him. Then listen to Him. God offers this free driving tip at no charge or obligation to those who ask. Think of Him as AAA for the soul-He was a trinity long before the three A's came on the scene. And can be accessed at any time, in any situation, with no member number, or card. Just you and Jesus.
You see, although the calendar says spring, the weather says winter. Don't rely on your own understanding, trust God. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. Now where have you heard that before? What a great saying, can't believe some advertiser hasn't picked up on it!
Proverbs 3:5. Found in the owner's manual for life. You may now start your car. You did remember to turn off the lights last night, didn't you?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com