I’m An Excellent Driver

I remember when I first learned to drive. The year was around 1976 and in order to be able to get your driver’s license, you had to take lessons that included both behind the wheel and in a classroom.

The best lesson that I learned in the classroom was that I “needed to leave myself an out”.

What the instructor meant by that was to always be asking; “If the car in front of me does thus and so, where would I go?” In other words, always be looking for a safe way to avoid an accident.

Even today when I drive I can still hear my instructor’s voce saying; If you remember nothing else; remember to leave yourself an out”.

The rest of the class was a blur except for being told we had the option to not watch the 1959 Highway safety Film; “Signal 30” if we didn’t want to.

 “Signal 30” is the legendary "shock" driving safety film featuring numerous scenes of mutilated cars and injured/dead people and a voiceover lacking in compassion. Produced in cooperation with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and shown to millions of young drivers for over 40 years. It contained many disturbing scenes of violent deaths and accident scenes; as well as cries of crash victims on soundtrack. It brought the point home to most of the students; as well as probably scaring some of them out of driving until they were much older!

The “behind-the-wheel” lessons were a trip in themselves. I went through a local agency that provides an instructor who comes to your house and takes you out four times on both city roads and on the freeway. The cars had brakes on both the driver’s and passenger’s side of the car.

When I got in the instructor’s car, he told me to “start the car, back it up, and drive down the block.” When I told him that I didn’t know how to start the car, let alone drive it; he laughed at me, saying that all kids my age know how to do that.

I told him that I didn’t and that was why we were paying him to teach me how to drive. He shook his head, stating that I must not be telling truth, and proceeded to show me how to start the car.

I gently put the car in reverse as I stomped down on the gas pedal, sending the car (almost) into the pond across the road from our house. The instructor in turn stomped on the brake pedal, sending me (almost) through the rear window of the car. My mom laughed at me as she stood watching from the living room amusing herself with my predicament. Just what you want to see…

Realizing that I had been telling the truth, the instructor took time to instruct me on how to gently step on the gas. I put the car in drive and went down the block; swerving from side to side until I learned how to drive straight.

When we got to the first corner, I took it as widely as humanly possible without going over the curb. Once again, my instructor gave instructions to this pre-novice driver on how to take a corner all the while digging his fingernails deeper into the dashboard in front of him.

After three or four corners (all taken quite widely I must say), he asked me to pull over; which I did. When we came to a stop, he opened the glove box which contained a small drug store of antacids; liquid and tablets. He proceeded to both drink and eat some as he told me to not take this personally, because the student before me had given him the ulcer. He said that I was the better driver.

We drove around a bit and then went home. I was grateful that it was only the two of us in the car because sometimes there may be several students in the car at the same time; each taking their turn individually. I guess this was the old method of safe driving through peer pressure.

I am happy to report that the next three times behind the wheel went better; except he kept taking the antacids. He left me with some instructions; “study hard for the written test and try to strike up a conversation for the behind the wheel test” …he said that this would help me and the other person to be relaxed.

When I took the behind the wheel test, I tried to be friendly by asking the person who was giving me the test about how he was doing, his family, etc. He barked at me that his wife had just divorced him, his kids didn’t like him, and he didn’t want me to say anything; mumbling something derogatory about the instructor who gave me such stupid advice.

Despite everyone’s attempt to sabotage my efforts and my own feelings of inadequacy, I passed both the written and behind the wheel the first attempt with flying colors. I was issued a license to drive a motor vehicle.

My real test came a few days later when my dad, myself, and two of my brothers went to the BWCA. After packing up the family’s Ford LTD Station wagon, my dad tossed me the keys and said that I could drive.

Scared, I told him that I hadn’t ever driven a station wagon (let along one filled with people, camping gear, and two canoes on top); I had only driven a compact car with one other person inside!

My mind flashed to my past experiences with others watching me drive and I looked for a way out. What if I get in an accident or lose my way or have one of the canoes fall off the top?

He looked at me and said; “It’s a long trip and you will have plenty of time to learn how to drive the bigger car. You will do just fine. I’m going to take a nap.” And with that he proceeded to get into the rear of the car along with my next younger brother Joe (who had also gotten his license the same time as I did) and settled in for the long trip.

I climbed into the driver’s seat where my older brother Rick would join me up front to be my navigator. The car looked about the size of an eighteen-wheeler! I slowly backed the car out of the drive way (noticing that my dad had already closed his eyes) and headed out towards the BWCA.

It took me awhile, but (very quickly) I was OK with driving the car. What my dad hadn’t told me was that the smaller cars that I had driven were older and didn’t handle as well. This LTD was newer and had features such as power steering and power brakes and a better stereo system.

That trip is when I really learned how to drive; not the classroom, my practice times, or my behind the wheel instruction. It was this trip when I had time to go through the process of fearing I would crash to trust that I really could drive.

My confidence came from a dad who was sitting behind me in the car if I needed him. He may have gone to sleep, but he was still within reach; and he had left me my older brother to be my navigator.

King Solomon wrote to his son;

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24)

“The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook.” (Proverbs 18:4)

My dad knew that (sometimes) the best way to learn is to toss someone the keys and tell them; “It’s a long trip and you will have plenty of time to learn how to drive the bigger car. You will do just fine. I’m going to take a nap.”

Even greater than the encouragement I received from my dad is the encouragement that I receive from my Heavenly Father that I can make it. At times it may seem that He is absent (or asleep), but He is nearer than I will ever know this side of Heaven.

Did He Just Call Me A PAGAN?

As a pastor I see way too many people overwhelmed. This is true whether they know the Lord or not. Overwhelmed by stress and worry which often leads to never really living life to the fullest, all because of “what MIGHT happen”.


One of the main issues I see people overwhelmed with is the area of provision. This includes getting, saving, spending, and giving money. 


I see way too many Christians overwhelmed by concerns about provision and so they end up working way too many hours hoping to get just enough each month to get by; wondering when the other shoe will fall.


I have seen way too many marriages destroyed by issues about provision. Born-Again Christians who vowed “For richer or poorer…” Give up on their marriage because of being overwhelmed by debt. In fact my father’s advice to me on my wedding day was: “Whatever you do don’t fight about money…It ruined the first twenty five years of our marriage”.


In Psalm 37 it says multiple times; “DO NOT FRET!”  And yet we still do. 


Matthew 6:24-34 is one of the foundation verses for my Christian walk. In V24 Jesus said; “No one can serve two masters…” NO ONE!  The Son of God says; “You can’t do it!” Jesus said that you will EITHER HATE the one and LOVE the other. Or be LOYAL to the one and DESPISE the other.


Jesus said that you cannot serve God and mammon (“wealth”). Jesus is telling the truth and yet we still try to serve BOTH, and that is why we have trouble and are overwhelmed at times.


In V25 Jesus said; “Therefore” because you can’t serve two masters. In other words; “DO NOT WORRYABOUT YOUR LIFE! Don’t let it OVERWHELM you! Overwhelmed as you try to figure out how to provide food and drink! Overwhelmed as you try to figure out how to provide clothing! 


Jesus asks a simple question “Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” The answer is YES! Life more than food and the body more than clothing!


If that is true then why then do we spend so much time: Overwhelmed by finances? Striving to make ends meet?


In V26 Jesus gives a simple illustration: LOOK AT THE BIRDS: They don’t sow or plant seeds, they don’t have tractors, don’t use weed-killer, and they don’t build barns…And yet - your Heavenly Father feeds them (the birds).


No wonder why birds seem happy-always singing a song!    SELAH!


Jesus is reminding us that we have a Father: He provides for the birds and He will provide for us; so we don’t need to be overwhelmed!


Jesus asks another simple question: “Are you not more valuable than them (the birds)?” The answer is YES! We are more valuable to the Father than the birds!...in fact I think that He actually likes us because we are His children.


In V27 Jesus asks a another simple question, “Which one of you with ALL of your worrying…” He said; “Can make yourself 18 inches taller?” The answer is NO ONE! So He asks; “Then why worry?” Worrying doesn’t change anything for good!


In V28 Jesus gives another simple illustration: LOOK AT THE FLOWERS: Ponder them to learn thoroughly. Examine carefully to see how they grow.


From what I know, flowers don’t toil and they don’t to grow weary or get  tired or get exhausted. They don’t labor with wearisome effort or burdens or grief. And they don’t get overwhelmed.


Think about it: Flowers don’t spin or dye their own fabric. They don’t own sewing machines and don’t make their own clothing…And yet - your Heavenly Father clothes the flowers.


In V.29 Jesus says that even Solomon with ALL of his money…He was one of the richest men in the history of man. In fact the Queen of Sheba gave him almost five billion dollars worth of gold! In other words he could afford the best suits and yet, was still not dressed as finely as any flower in the field!    SELAH!


In V30 Jesus asks; “If God so clothes the flowers of field…” Which are here today and tomorrow thrown in the furnace…will He not MUCH more clothe you? Will He not MUCH more PROVIDE for you?


The answer is YES! So…then why worry? Worrying doesn’t change anything for good!


V31 says “Therefore” because He will provide for you…”In other words: DO NOT WORRY! Or be anxious about life and what you need! DO NOT SAY: “What shall we eat? What shall we drink? What shall we wear?"


Jesus is saying ; Don’t be overwhelmed! Tired, overworked. Worried about getting things, Stressed about to make ends meet…Jesus our Lord – King of Kings is saying; “Don’t worry!”


Jesus says in V32 “After these things the PAGANS (Gentiles) seek”.


Wait; what is Jesus saying? Did He just call me a “pagan”?


No, He is saying that pagans worry because pagans don’t know Father and because they don’t have a relationship with the Father…because pagans don’t seek the Father.


Jesus is reminding you that you are not a pagan! You are a son or daughter of the Father; He will take care of you.


Jesus knows what we need: Is the creator of the eye unable to see or the Creator of the ear unable to hear? Jesus is telling you that you can trust Him --He is your friend. And since He cares, why should you be overwhelmed?


If I am not supposed to worry, then what am I supposed to do? - V33 Two things;


1.) SEEK FIRST HIS KINGDOM The kingdom is “the domain of the King”. Jesus already said a few moments earlier in Chapter 6 v.9; “When you pray say; “Thy kingdom come…“Give us our daily bread…”  Realize that the domain of King Jesus includes YOU and your needs. You don’t need to be overwhelmed by this life because He has a plan for you!


2.) Secondly, we are to SEEK FIRST HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS. Righteousness is “justification” or “right standing”. Because of Jesus we can come boldly in our hour of need! (Heb 4:18). Because of Jesus we can come to the Father with assurance.


His Kingdom is not about food or drink or clothing (Romans 14:17): It’s Righteousness – right standing with God and man. It’s Peace –beyond anything you’ve experienced. It’s Joy – in the Holy Spirit.


Jesus says if we seek those two things, then all these other things shall be added. That includes food, drink, and clothing. That includes house payments, utility bills, and cars. That includes college tuition and toothpaste.


Jesus concludes in V34 “Therefore”, because He will provide for you…”Don’t worry about tomorrow: Always stressing about having enough for tomorrow and never enjoying today’s provision. Always stressing about ten years from now: including retirement, college, house, car, etc… 


King David said in Psalm 37:25 that this was true in his life: “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.” 


And this is true for Cathy’s and my life!


The Lord has been faithful to provide each time we had needs. We raised six children – on one income and sometimes little to no income. All my children, Cathy, and I went to college (some post graduate). All of us have been provided for in abundance! We never had a bill that we were unable to pay (not always sure how) and even bought a 3-story house with no income, no money in the bank!


My friend; no, you are not a pagan. You are a child of a Heavenly Father who knows what you need! He is longing to take of you!


Some Questions for your consideration:


Where are places that I am Overwhelmed instead of Overflowing?


What are some movements that I need to do to simplify my life? That might enable me to experience life beyond what I have expected or anticipated….


What are the steps that the Lord wants me to take in response?


What is the Lord calling me to do today?

 

 

squander

To waste, spend, or use (money, time, etc.) extravagantly or in a reckless and foolish manner…To allow (an opportunity) to pass or be lost.

It started out as a normal Saturday morning (without hockey)…I took time to generate a list of items or tasks that needed to be accomplished…The final cup of coffee was drunk and then it was off to the races to complete the items on the piece of paper. 

In time; I’m not sure how long, but distractions (and a mild case of ADD) took my mind and time in a different direction than what was on my “to-do” list and the next thing I realized it was dinner time and although most of list was checked off, I also observed that portions of my day were spent on amusement that was far away from the intended goals for the day.


While I do believe that recreation and amusement can really be a source of re-creating our minds, wills, and emotions; it can also be an excuse to squander what little time we have. In fact, have you noticed how we often look at misuse of time, money, or opportunities in hindsight?

After almost every defeat in a sporting event, someone will make a statement along the lines of; "The team squandered several good scoring chances…" as an explanation as to what their team should have done differently.

Simply put, they are saying that if the team had used every opportunity that they had in the correct way, then they wouldn’t have lost the game.


What about other areas of our own lives? If I hadn’t squandered my time on Saturday (or Sunday or Monday…) THEN…I could have accomplished so much more than I did.


If I had gone to that lecture or sermon instead of staying home, then my life would’ve been so much better. If I had saved instead of squandering my money….and so on and so on.


When properly analyzed, this kind of thinking can be used to make changes. Teams make adjustments and games are won. Savings accounts are started and finances get in order. Time is examined and priorities are once again established.

However, too much second guessing only leads to mental anguish and torment because of the regret and self-loathing.

So why am I writing this? We don’t know how much time, money, or how many opportunities we have until we look in the rear view mirror of life.

My hope is that this will cause you to at least look deep into your day; right now…STOP, and PONDER and ask yourself;

• How did I spend the last five hours?
• How did I spend the last five dollars?
• How did I spend the last five opportunities?

Your answers may surprise you; perhaps even become the impetuous to make some changes for what happens next.

The Bible tells us that we have only so much time to live our lives:

“The days of our lives are seventy years;
And if by reason of strength they are eighty years,
Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow;
For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” (Psalm 90:10 NKJV)

Why wait until the only time, money, and opportunities you have are all gone and it’s time….?