A Blast from the Past
I've got the Nana car blues!
Looking back helps us to remember, but it also allows us to move forward. So I decided to include an article from the first year of Fuse (2012). Judge for yourself - have I grown up?
I think it's safe to assume cars reflect personalities as well as needs. Young guys have a need to preen and strut, and their cars reflect this. Young females purchase cute little handbag style vehicles in bubble gum colours. With the advent of children, larger cars are required in the family garage. And as the blessings increase so the need for larger and larger movement containers! Once that need has left home, I believe the personality gains control again, hence the more expensive low slung soft top, and the road dominating, 4 wheel drive, boat mover.
I guess I've made my point. So how the heck did I end up with a Nana car? I'm not even a mother! I want to make it clear from the start that I am very grateful for my car. After 24 cars and 3 motor bikes it's my first ever brand new car and I thank the Lord for it. However, it has its restrictions and I in turn feel restricted. For example, it has more blind spots than any over indulgent parent I've ever met. It has a short snout (bonnet/engine area) which is invisible from the drivers' seat, and being a four door with a large boot there is more behind me than I'm used to. It's also my first automatic so the off-the-mark grunt is non-existent. I've gone from driving like a 30 year old male to an 80 year old female, and for the record I do have some years left before I reach that mark!
So, who am I and what are my needs? Good question - I'll get back to you! Well personality aside, my basic needs are to get from A to B safely, share a lift if so required, and store my golf clubs (the very reason I chose this particular car in the first place.) But just yesterday the Lord revealed to me I have other needs and this car is meeting them. Confession time: I can get stressed when I try to fit too much into my day, and some would say I don't suffer fools gladly! Consequently, a lack of patience on the road sometimes rears its ugly head. What can I do about it in my present car? Absolutely nothing! I can't make my point by gunning past a slow driver at the lights, and my horn is an embarrassment, tooting gaily in a festive and friendly manner which completely defeats the purpose. I might as well be in a Disney cartoon! The Spirit of God keeps nudging me. I've got 2 areas to work on: patience, and respect for others. If I get it sorted do you think I can have a low slung soft top?
UPDATE:
Well, I've still got the Nana car, suggesting I haven't curbed my enthusiasm for off-the-cuff feelings regarding doing things my way. Why is that? Twelve years is a long time to be waiting for a low slung soft top.
Can I assume there are others who struggle with 'being nice' ? I'm positive there are due to the historical narrative of man/womankind found in Genesis. They messed up and consequently, like sheep, we've all followed in making a mess of our lives. But God in His GRACE sent His Son to redeem us from the pitiful 'slough of despondency' we find ourselves floating around in 24 hours a day. And His grace is not without merit. I'd like to think that, as born again believers, our despondency is NOT a 24 hours a day issue. Forgiveness is found in confession - time and time and TIME again. And peace follows confession - the peace which passes all understanding. PTL!!!!
By Jo Warner