The Tale of the Two Cars...

Once upon a time there was a family. They were a nice little family who had everything they needed. They were happy and content with life and all was well. But, (and every good fairy tale has a but) a dark cloud loomed over their two cars. The van was a little old, high of mileage, but the family loved it dearly. The dad was known to say that it was a spiritual van - it would only break down if the Lord wanted it to. The car was older, but had much lower mileage, and was a gift from the Lord. It was comfortable and pretty, and even had a CD player - a first for this little family.

So one fine day, the family set out in the van for a long trip. While they were gone, a friend needing transportation took care of the little car for them. One day on that fine trip, the friend called, "Well, the little car is flashing 'service soon' at me, what do you want me to do?" The dad said, "No problem, I'll call my service guy and if you could just drop it by we'll take care of it." So the friend did, and the little car was good as new....... for now. But we must not hog the story for the little car, because in the meantime, states away, the van had other things going on.

So this family was in Wisconsin, and the van decided it would give off some funny noises. They found a local mechanic and had it all checked over - got a couple of things fixed, and the mechanic pronounced it 'roadworthy' and 'with no problems.' Thankful that they could hit the road with no worries, the family headed back to their lovely home in Kansas, starting with a prayer of Thanksgiving to the Lord, and request for safe journeys.

The sturdy, reliable van made it all the way through the long hours, back to their home state, but when it was almost home (within 2 miles) it got all choked up and could barely make it the rest of the way. So the family let it rest through the night, then they took it to the mechanic again. That van is still in the shop, but getting surgery today, so hopefully will be as good as new again soon. It will probably be sad to discover that it will no longer be allowed to take any long trips though, and that will create a big change in its existence and a sad day for the family.

So this morning, mom and 2 children were hopping in the car, fresh from the mechanic, when suddenly, the car pulled a stubborn trick. It decided not to start! Wouldn't even turn over its engine for them. And wouldn't you know that it's grandparents day. Daughter is to be performing, and mother is to be doing the refreshments. Thankfully, grandparents were going to the school that day also, so they will pick up family (an hour late for school) and are also willing to make 2 trips and help drive neighbor children also.

So what will happen with the car? Well, mom decided to just leave that one to dad for when he returns home from his day trip. Mom is thankful that there is no need to worry and that she can trust that the Lord has a plan for them - even their vehicles too! If they are supposed to be late, then they are supposed to be late. If they are supposed to do repairs, then they are supposed to do repairs.

There is much freedom in being able to release all our cares to the Lord and letting Him be in control of our lives! The Lord is good, and He wants the very best for us, and He knows far better than we do what that is!!!

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills - From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber... The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand... The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore." From Psalm 121