“you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Colossians 3:9-10
Calling to confirm plans to visit my son and his family for dinner, I told him I was free and could come earlier if he had any projects needing my help. He snickered in the phone and said… “Oh, I got a project!” Anticipating, I smiled. Until he said, “I’m changing the brakes on my truck!” Immediately I was transported to a ‘not so happy’ experience years ago! I reluctantly agreed to help because I have learned that family trumps bad memories every time.
It was many years ago on a cold and snowy winter day when the old car we drove needed brakes. We were so poor that even the cheapest brakes put a dent into my wallet. But the job had to be done. After reading up on the ‘how-to,’ all went well until it was time to bleed the brake line. As I applied pressure to the bleeder valve, it snapped off from rust, resulting in one of the few times this grown man ever cried! Flashing back to the present, my son had just asked for my help… so I sucked it up and headed out.
On the way I reminded myself that it couldn’t be THAT bad. I fought to convince myself to look at the positives. I live in Florida now, so snow was out. It wasn’t going to cost ME anything but time, which I had. Monetary cost to me was out… because it was HIS truck! When I got there I was elated! He hadn’t just purchased the brakes.. but had gone ahead and bought ALL new rotors AND Calipers as well! That might not mean much to some… but the point is.. EVERYTHING was BRAND NEW! There was NO chance that old rust was going to be a factor!
While working, the occasion became even MORE joyous when my other son showed up to help.. then my daughter arrived. In-laws and a pack of grandkids congregated around as the guys worked. The GOOD news is, the job went off without a hitch. I suffered a brain burp when it came time to bleed the brakes!!! But it was not a problem at all! All that remained was the test drive! I was never so happy as to ‘almost be put through the windshield,’ in my life! It was a good day as I chocked up NEW and GOOD experiences in auto repair!
The verse today says that I no longer operate under the conditions of my old life, since it has passed away. Life is no longer cold and bleak, since Jesus Christ gave me a NEW life with NEW operating conditions. I am promised that the Holy Spirit is ALWAYS with me…so I am never alone. Because I have access to HIS mind and strength, I do not have to rely on my own. I also have a great loving Church family who encourages, supports and helps when difficulties arise. All in all, operating in this NEW life is MUCH better than operating in the old. I can STOP things even better than I used to.
Sometimes driving down memory lane can be a GOOD thing. Especially when it reminds me… I don’t HAVE to ‘go there’ anymore! But I have decided I will continue to avoid auto repair!
