He was the owner of the Model Garage, in an unnamed small town north of New
York City. He was known as the go to guy for problems with your car, but also
served as Santa Claus, an advisor to both doctors and politicians, and for over
40 years, we got to know him via his problem solving in Popular Science. He had
grown up with the first cars, and retired some 70 years later, but from
1926-1970, he showed us how to solve problems, diagnose concerns, and fix the
problem, not the symptom. His name was Gus Wilson, proprietor, and every month
thousands turned to him for entertainment and enlightenment. From the time he
opened his shop in the morning, to locking up late at night, he kept the small
town’s autos running, the truckers on the road, families on vacation, and last
minute emergencies from turning into catastrophes.
His first cup of coffee often was found later by lunch half empty and cold,
a cruller with two bites out of it, duty called. A half eaten burger, cold
fries, and more cold coffee often were remnants of his lunch, his only breaks
came when contemplating and diagnosing while he lit and relit his pipe. Rain
never slowed him down, he owned the snowplow, and in hot weather would stand in
front of his big fan. Through him we met many of the townspeople, Stan his
helper and pump jockey, business man Harcourt who stood over him intently
watching, Trooper Corcoran always there in an emergency, Dr. Evants and his car
Gabriella, Regan and Bert who were always questioning Gus, Crawford and Silas
Barnstable looking under the hood wondering when will Gus arrive, and Senator
Bombey, and many others, who by their name and disposition we came to know. Gus
taught us about carbon monoxide poisoning, safety first in garages, getting
shocked if not careful, and the importance of having patience. His whole life
he lived in a small house behind the shop, his shop open 7-5, but he was always
available. He took us to auto shows, introduced us to hot rods, showed us how
new fangled diagnostic equipment worked, and how it always came down to fuel and
spark.
As the world of autos changed, so did Gus over the years. And finally in
1970, his ways were deemed old fashioned, and he was retired, but his stories
live on, giving hope to the man in a hurry, the family on a trip, and the young
girl who needed help, but didn’t know who to turn to. Times were changing, even
on TV, as some of the most popular shows, still with high ratings such as
Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, Petticoat Junction, and Hee Haw were
cancelled, America was moving away from the country, and away from family
values. We laughed at That Girl, and Mary Tyler Moore, but who would they take
their car too since Gus was gone? Where did Archie Bunker take Munson’s cab
when it overheated? Gus had always been there for them, what were they going to
do now?
Today AAA tells us the most important safety tool we can take with us is
our cell phone. But it cannot diagnose, or rescue you, but it can keep you on
hold after pressing 1 for English. It cannot comfort you like a human voice
can, or listen to you and ask questions. It has taken the human element out of
humanity, and reduced us to speeding up a process while increasing the waiting
time. Gus knew how to deal with emergencies, what to do and prioritize his
work, he was available and always there when needed. But both time and progress
passed him by, who needed an old mechanic when you could have a certified
technician? Who needed experience when you got an education? How many stop
when they see a motorist in need? In the rain? When your car needs fixing, do
you consult the internet, then right click to fix it? Do you even have a
mechanic or even a service advisor, or do you just get the next available person
when needed, who listens, but without that personal touch Gus gave it? What
about your relationship with God....do you even know his name? Do you wonder if
he knows yours?
Many address God as Lord Jesus Christ when praying. But that isn’t his
name, but his name and title, and position. It would be like calling me Mr.
Mike Mohn Biker every time we talked, very impersonal. So let’s make it
personal, his title is Lord, for he is Lord of all creation, his name is Jesus,
and he is the Christ, the prophetic messiah. But his friends just call him
Jesus, for he is that personal. And we can talk to him at any time, for he
always has time for us, and knows our name, situations, and how to handle them.
He listens, then answers, much like Gus did, and his diagnosis deals with the
solution, not just covering up the symptoms. Last night a man approached me
after Bible study for prayer. He wanted to get closer to God, and wanted me to
pray with him. He had waited all week for me to pray with and for him, and was
surprised he could talk with Jesus at any time. His church told him he needed
two or more to be gathered, and didn’t know the holy spirit was with him always,
so he always had the two needed, and so he had waited for me. And was excited
to go pray that night, just him and Jesus. He had also fallen behind in his
Bible verse memorization, and was feeling bad, his church wasn’t helping any. I
reminded him that Jesus writes his word on our hearts, and the holy spirit gives
him the words when he needs them. He was so wrapped up in studying to find
himself approved by man, they had gotten between him and Jesus. He had followed
the teachings of the Bible but without the spirit giving it life. He knew about
Jesus, now he was getting to know Jesus. Just like Gus’s customer got to know
him, when they came to him with a problem. They expected him to fix it, and
Jesus always does for us. Is that the personal Jesus you know, or is he still
The Lord Jesus Christ only? People knew to ask for Gus, Mr. Wilson would have
confused them. What do you call Jesus?
He is all the above and even more, wonderful, counselor, mighty God, king
of kings, and Lord of Lords. But his friends call him Jesus, for by no other
name, not title, can you be saved. Jesus tells us trials are common to all, we
are all the same, born into sin and need a savior. His name is Jesus, call on
him today and be saved. Get to know him personally, and find he is always with
you. And as you get to know him, become like him, showing his love, compassion,
and forgiveness to others. Gus couldn’t be everywhere at once, although he was
very good, he was only human. Jesus although man was God also and can be there,
just for you. Right now even. Get to know him, introduce him to others, and as
he writes his word of love on your heart, the right words at the right time will
come forth. Gus Wilson we hardly knew you, don’t say the same about
Jesus.
love with compassion,
Mike
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