We just returned from our annual trek to the beach. It was all the things the beach is supposed to be: casual, warm, and refreshing with a jimmy buffet-like soundtrack. I needed all those things this year. The day before we left I decided to flip my car 1 and 1/2 times off the side of 67/167 into a ditch. I’m fine, but my brand new first purchase little blue car did not survive. So now I’m home, sharing a vehicle with mom and bumming rides from friends. The car search begins tomorrow, and something I thought was completely taken care of is once again up in the air.
While we were at the beach I read Brennan Manning’s “The Importance of Being Foolish.” This is one of the most convicting books I’ve ever read. One of the things Manning points out is how our flesh longs for instant security. We want all of our ducks in a row, nice and polished, never acknowledging that they aren’t our ducks to being with!!! I think part of me really saw this car purchase as me reaching a place of financial security-where I wouldn’t have to worry anymore. I wasn’t trusting, I knew the numbers in my account added up. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with owning a car. I’m planning on buying one this week, but I think my motives were selfish. I don’t think I was utilizing the resources God gave me in a way that would minister most effectively. Overall, I think I saw my car as tangible evidence of my self-made security and as a source of pride and pleasure. I’m going into this second purchase realizing that God provides for all my needs, even transportation, that it is His to give and His to take away, and that my joy is found in His heart, not in things. Leave it me to have to learn the hard way once again…
I’m so glad you are okay! And I’m really happy to have you blogging again. And really glad you’re fine from your crash. Sorry about your cute little car, though.
Ahh you are still alive. I knew if I kept checking you would return again. I am so glad that you are ok after the wreck.