Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Shake, Rattle and Roll

Nearly ten years ago, I purchased my little gold Saturn. It was my first brand-new car. It's been a good car to me with few major repairs over the years. Over the past couple of years I've been thinking about getting a newer car but have not done any serious shopping for it. Having a car that's paid off has been great incentive to keep driving it and not acquire car payments again.

Last night as I drove home from work, the "Service engine soon" light began flashing. While I noticed it, I wasn't too worried about it as in the past the warning has flashed only to end up being a malfunctioning sensor. Apparently the warning was the real deal last night, however, because shortly thereafter the car began to shake and shudder. It was especially worrisome when idling at red lights--and it seemed like I hit every red light between work and home. Thankfully, God answered my fervent prayers that I'd make it home without the car giving out in the middle of a busy intersection.

After getting some advice from my dad, I added oil to my car, and am taking it in to the mechanic this morning. I'm praying that it's a relatively minor repair and not time to shell out for a newer car. I don't want to be desperate for a new car--I want to do more research, test drive, and not be rushed into this decision.

Last night I was thinking of a passage from Psalm 50 that we discussed this past Sunday in our Sunday school class:

I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. (Psalm 50:9-10)

I suppose that in this case, I could say that the Saturns on a thousand hills belong to God. God was reminding me that, ultimately, my car, my finances, everything I have is from Him and belongs to Him.

This morning in today's passage from my one-year Bible, I read the story of Jesus multiplying the loaves and fishes. From very little He was able to produce abundance, indeed, an overabundance of food. Once again, God was reminding me that He is my Provider.

I can't say that I'm not at all worried about the verdict on my car, but I am feeling more at peace about it. I have a feeling that, regardless of the outcome, I'll be spending some time this week on Edmonds and visiting some car lots this weekend. But I am trusting in God to guide and to provide.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love to drive new vehicles but I hate car payments. The one I'm in is getting tired but I'm going to push it a couple more years if it will go!

Anonymous said...

I am impressed that you have driven a car for 10 years! Nothing is better than a real excuse to shop for a car...okay it is one of my weaknesses!!

Jon said...

time for a new car...