My confessor told me to write to you, Teacher, to make it personal and pleasing to Your eyes. I knew not what to say. He gave me some suggestions, such as what happened to my car recently. I’ll start there.
The Highway Maneuver:
On Monday, I was headed to Ocala, after pulling out of a gas station in Gainesville. I couldn’t have been on the road more than 20 minutes, when just like that, my engine froze. I was in the fast lane, cruising about 70 mph. But, the odometer gradually dropped at a steady pace. I put my foot to the pedal, but nothing happened. While looking in the rear view mirror, I realized I’d better get off the road. Thank you, Father, for making this an easy transition.
Moving from one lane to the next wasn’t hard — It was easy and smooth. I saw some guardrails up ahead and got a little concerned. Should I jam on my breaks and pull over now, or just pull off next to the guardrails. I opted for the guardrails, hoping that maybe I could clear them. Lo and behold, You made it so. Thank you, Master. Your works are merciful and sweet to my existence.
The stop, call, worry and reward:
Once safely on the side of the road, I called my friend to let her know I probably wouldn’t be able to make it, as I my car just died. She was worried, and I had to assure her I was safe and all would be well. After our 15-minute conversation, we hung up, and I called AAA Roadside assistance. That was an ordeal because of Covid, among other things, such as my recently lapsed policy, and the dispatcher not being able to locate my exact coordinates. Thank you, Teacher, for giving me the wherewithal to use my GPS to help him find me. Your wisdom is unsurpassable and sacred, and I praise You with all my heart.
The Wait:
If you, the reader, have ever had to use Roadside Assistance, you know how long the wait is. I don’t think I’ve ever waited less than an hour. After speaking with Frank and getting the ticket in motion, it was all just a matter of time. The sky was crystal clear, but the inside of my car was hot. So, I got out. After walking to the other side of the car with my rapidly depleting phone battery, I quickly took a picture of where I was and posted it on Facebook.
It was a beautiful day. There was not a cloud in the sky. There’s an old sportsman’s saying that goes like this: The bluebirds like to come out an play when there are no clouds in the sky. And, so they call it a bluebird day. Thank you, Jesus for making my day so glorious.
The ride/not ride:
Since Covid changed everything, AAA no longer allows members to ride in the truck anymore. But, the driver was nice enough to drop me off at the nearest truck-stop. I saw some shady characters hanging around and decided not to wait in the front. I walked to the shaded side of the building, where a ramp makes its way from the door to the side. No sooner had I parked myself up against the building and pulled out my phone, when I saw a shadow walking down the ramp.
It startled me, but there he was — Lindburgh, 88 — a big brawny man wearing a stark white t-shirt — came into view. He looked at me and instinctively knew, I guess. He asked why I was there. I pointed to the AAA truck pulling out of the parking lot and said, “There goes my car.” He offered me a ride to Gainesville in his sleek Dodge Charger, and I accepted. Thank you, Rabbi, for putting the right person in my path and the exact right moment. Your gifts do not go unnoticed. I praise you, O Lord, and I thank you.
The end result:
The next morning, I talked to my serviceman, Dave, who informed me that my engine froze. “Ugh,” I thought. “I guess I need a new car.” Not so fast though, the Lord whispered. Dave followed up by saying, “The good news is, it’s covered under warranty.” The KIA dealership later informed me that some models had trouble with their engines, so they just decided to give a lifetime warranty. Yeshua, thank you! You made my day. Praise God! “Take Lord, receive all my liberties, my memory, my understanding and my will. Your love and your grace are enough for me.” (Saint Ignatius Loyola)
Your loving servant.
Moi