As a kid it seemed everybody's dad had some kind of work bench. Whether
just hammer and nails, or a full blown lathe with tools, as a kid you wanted to
work with it. But had to deal with the fact you weren't old enough, but someday
you could. Soon, Mike, you're still young, late fifties,...It was a time when
dads fixed things from garden hoses to screens. Nothing got thrown away, but
saved, as it may become needed and valuable some day. And many of us carry on
the tradition still, for when looking around my garage I find motorcycle parts I
know I will never use. What is the demand for luggage racks for a 2000 Sprint
RS? Mirrors for a 2006 Tiger? And I even have a space for parts from my 1990
Crown Vic, parts that should be thrown away, yet I can't seem to part with
them. Is it me-or the parts? Or both?
Thanks to China and other nations who don't pay their employees a fair
wage, we have numerous replacement parts available. Replace the part-cheaper
and faster than fixing the old. But not as satisfying. We spend more time in
line at Home Cheepo than replacing the part. What did you do Saturday morning,
fix the faucet or wait in line?
Remember changing your own oil? Replacing your spark plugs? How about
washing your own car? In many cases memories, now we have quick lube who can do
it faster and cheaper-but not necessarily better. Spark plugs-every 100,000
miles-if you get them out! See you at the car wash-not as good as you used to
do, but it gives you more time to wait in line to have these things done.
And what about the work bench? It still may be there, but the tools are
long gone. Now it has beach chairs, dog leashes, and at my house add motorcycle
parts. Somewhere under there is a work bench-just waiting for you. But today
many are just a depository for junk we don't have room for anywhere else. Too
many things, just not enough things to do. Add that to the list.
I have always found that maintenance is cheaper than repairs. Not that
maintenance is cheap, but you can save time and effort, and money by being smart
now. A form of maintenance. We all know the Jiffy Lube mantra about every
3000 mile oil changes, but what about our walk with God? Many approach it as a
penalty for knowing Him, and an hour a week seems like eternity to them. Not
realizing the decision you make for Jesus today will dictate where you spend
eternity. We rather wait until our kids are in trouble, rather than instruct
them now. Teach them morals-then you won't need as many rules. Put down the
cell phone and talk with your kids. You might learn something. And you all may
avoid problems later. Lead by example-you may find out you already are, and the
example is not one you want your kids to emulate.
Use life to be a workbench. Jesus is all the tools you need. Many
precious times are spent with Him just visiting. Or hanging out, with no
particular plan in mind, just hanging with Jesus. And maybe your kids-or
spouse. Let go of things from the past-so much is just clutter, pass it on to
someone who needs it-maybe just give it away for free. And watch as your life
becomes less cluttered and you are free from the burden of things. The freedom
found in Christ now becomes part of your family. And everyday life.
But like the proper use of a work bench, it takes work. Effort, and a
commitment. Anything done well does. Check out Jesus today. Start clearing
off the work bench-you may find things you couldn't find and thought you had
lost. Kids and family included. Along with self respect-which you will
transfer to others in love.
Every tool has a purpose, and a place. Find your place in Jesus, and find
your true purpose. The time spent today will have an impact on tomorrow.
Maintenance is still cheaper than repairs-pay me now or pay me later.
Jesus already paid the price. Take full advantage of it now, before today
becomes yesterday, and the bench of life cluttered with junk. Jesus Christ-the
right tool at the right time-for all times!
And enjoy the day spending it with your dad.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com