...and the art of Buick maintenance

I’m not what some people might call “handy.” In fact, I think most people would not use such a term as a descriptor for me. It’s not like I’m entirely inept regarding matters of repair and maintenance… Well, okay I guess I am. Anyway… Today I was making a minor repair to my car with the intention of having any major malfunctions taken care of before I venture out of state. To be quite honest, the maintenance I was attempting was fairly simple. That is, it should have been fairly simple. All was going according to plan until I came across this one screw that would not budge. The center was stripped out and it was a somewhat irregular size as for as wrenches go… So, to make a long story only a bit shorter, I found the right size wrench to work on the task, but I just couldn’t get the sucker out. After about an hour (or more) of working, I conceded the fact that I would have to wait for my dad. Sure enough, dad comes out- takes a look- and gets a socket instead of any of the other tools I was working with. He had the job done in less than ten minutes. Welcome to my world. Again, this got me thinking…

Life is frustrating expanse of experiences. I wish it were all peachy-keen, but no dice on that one friend. Instead of smooth sailing, I find myself fumbling about down life’s path. The truth of the matter is that I am often using the wrong tools. Sure, sometimes I use a tool that will get the job done… eventually, but it is inherently the wrong tool for the job. In matters of life, the spiritual disciplines are the tools to use in order to be productive. Be prayerful. Consume and be consumed by the Word of God in study. Engage in regular fasts. Share the Gospel with others through word and deed. There are so many tools in the Christian’s utility belt that Batman himself would turn green. It’s important to remember that the spiritual disciplines are not the spiritual life, but the tools used to be most productive in it. One more thing… I can’t forget the issue of experience. In all things repair and maintenance, I am a novice. My dad is the man. (You should see the weld he put on my frying pan once- that thing could be with me forever!) Dad knew what to do and how. Wondering what tool is necessary to use at a crossroads? Call on the wisdom of the Father and he will give the perfect guidance. Not so tough now, is it?