Isaiah 61:3

Engine warning lights are most helpful when they work!

It was the strange noise after accelerating that caused me to call the mechanic.  Coincidentally, the reminder for my vehicles’ annual checkup had arrived that week.   I reported the noise to Dale, my 60-something mechanic, when I dropped the car at the shop.  He assured me he would call when he located the problem. 

I have great confidence in my mechanic.  He is a car person.  More than that, he actually cares about me injuring myself in my car, which is convenient as I put myself at risk more than your average vehicle owner.   He was concerned when I was driving around with totally bald tires (who knew?) and when I wore my brakes down to nothing.  It was after that visit Dale told me that people who care for their cars bring them in annually for a checkup.  Kind of like a well child visit for your car. 

Since my lecture on car ownership I have been faithful to follow Dale’s advice.  I take my car in annually and report all strange noises it makes.  It seemed unfair then, when he called to discuss his findings.

“Hey yeah, Karen?”

“Hi Dale, what did you find out?”

“Yeah well, that engine noise you were talking about… I changed the oil and took it for a drive.  I didn’t hear the noise but you should know that the oil was down; by about 4 quarts.“

“Wait!… Doesn’t it take something like 5?”

“…… (meaningful  silence)… yeah.  Well.  That’s what I’m sayin’.”

“But Dale! When did my van start eating oil?  It’s never done that before.”

“Well you're up near 200,000 miles, they eat…burn oil as they get up there.”

“But my car never told me anything!  No lights! No indicators!  How am I supposed to know this if it won’t tell me?  It feels like I’m being set up for failure.”  I left the realm of auto mechanics and headed straight for existential philosophy. 

“Yeah, well, you might try checking the oil every now and then.”  Dale doesn’t do existential philosophy.

“That seems unfair Dale, I rely on the lights.”

“Yah, those can be kind of useless.”

In his straightforward way, Dale explained that not damaging the engine when driving with 1 quart of oil was actually a good thing and gave me another lecture on responsible car ownership.  I sighed and listened, agreeing when I could and trying to give the impression of responsibility but it was no good.  I was the woman who drove with bald tires, no brakes and now, no oil.   I comforted myself with the fact that I brought my car in when the noise started.

Have you ever found your life accelerating and found some unpleasant noise coming from under your hood my friend?  When life’s demands outstrip life’s resources, a person’s true character is revealed.  Those who are able to display “grace under pressure” are usually those who have learned to operate in less than ideal circumstances.  Suffering has reordered their prayers, their priorities and their personalities.  For example those have undergone cancer treatment are less likely to complain about annual doctor’s visits.    Knowing the fears related to treatment, they are more likely to encourage others they meet experiencing similar trials. 

Scripture prioritizes life beyond oneself, which is counter-cultural.  Suffering is valued, seen as means to learn precious lessons that are beyond the reach of those living in ease.  So I encourage you my friend to go to prayer when the din of accelerated living increases. 

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.  

Heb 4:16

Praying for a quiet week for all of us,

xoxKaren