When I first moved to So Cal, I went to work for a fastener company.
Dealing with anything from large car dealerships, to motorcycle shops, to small
repair shops, I got a pretty good cross section of how business should run, and
in many cases how it should not run. Many times I dealt with the owner, and he
was spending his money, so it was personal. Other times it was a parts manager,
who had to be schmoozed. But I always dealt honestly with them all, which often
times took them by surprise. With everyone coming at them with a line, they had
a thick skin when it came to salesman-I still do today. And many times because
of how they were taught, or based on past experiences didn't do the right
thing. I sold small parts, clips, screws, fasteners, and chemicals-things used
to put things back together. And many would not carry them, "I'll just call
when I need one," which was usually closing time on a Friday night. And would
not be able to deliver the car to the customer because of it. Frustrating to
both customer and owner, customer wanted his car back, and the owner didn't get
paid until the job was done. And in the case of a body shop, thousands of
dollars of income would have to wait over a 50 cent item. At 50 cents, the most
expensive item he never had.
I am blessed by having a great car mechanic, and an even better go-to guy
for my motorcycles. I don't wait for appointments, and it is rare I wait for
parts. They know they can't fix things properly without the parts. These shops
are out there, guys who "get 'er done" while others just make you wait. And
over the years sadly many have gotten used to waiting, when they don't have to.
SOP is fix the problem, so many don't resort to VOR ordering, Vehicle Off Road,
which allows overnight shipment. Others are just creative, or resourceful. But
in each case, get 'er done.
A few years ago, coming back from Oregon, my rear wheel bearing went out on
the Tiger. I had been in two flash floods earlier that month, in Ohio and
Oklahoma-what is it about the "O" states, and it finally let go in Paso Robles.
No Triumph dealer, and no Mickey for 300 miles, so I called him, could he
overnight me the part from Triumph? He called Shel at Triumph, who called
me-they had no stock, and had never sold one-they are that good, I guess. So he
called England to get me info, all bearings have a universal number, and then
called me back. It would be a week to the colonies, check with a local bearing
house.
In the meantime, the shop I took it too, who also rented trucks, I was
about to truck it to Mick, told me he could fix the problem. He took out what
was left of the old bearing, and found out it was a kit from Honda. Problem
solved-while Theresa and I went to the water park. Both Shel and Mick were
amazed, and glad to get me back on the road so soon. I was just thankful-for
them going out of their way, but also to this little shop in Paso, where this
old time motorcycle mechanic got the job done-and cheaper than a dealer
including his tow bill.
Although this caught us by surprise, this was not a surprise for God. He
had all the things and people in place I needed, I just needed to pray, listen
for his answer, and then obey. Grace is like that-although it is all about God,
without our obedience we may need His mercy later. We forget that God's repair
shop is open 24 hours, He has the parts, and the knowledge of how to fix the
problem in your life. Not seeking Him is a bigger problem. Problems can be
good, the solution is better. You see if I had never been sick, I would not
know Jesus as the great physician. If I knew it all, He would not be the
ultimate rabbi. If I had it all, I would not know Him as Jehovah Jireh, my
provider. If I was as smart as I think, I would have missed out of the
wonderful counselor. And if I was without sin, as I am now because of Him, I
never would have known Him as my savior. Something to consider next time a
problem surfaces. Go straight to Jesus-and watch as He works things out.
Shel and Mick are friends, and a motorcyclist's best friend-don't wait
until you have a problem to meet Jesus. Call on Him today, and maybe miss out
on tomorrow's problems. But know that when you need Him He is ready and able to
help you with anything you may encounter.
Or you could wait for two weeks for parts-I'd rather be riding. With
Jesus. I understand He is pretty good with Harley parts too.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com