Mechanic....

Mechanic...

July 25

For a day...

or four....

or more....

A few days since I wrote.

Been learning about how to work the brakes on a chevy pickup.

Specifically Matthew's.

We have taken off the old and put on the new.

Bearings.

Inside and outside on both the front wheels.

New rotors.

New brake pads.

On the back as well.

New drums and new pads.

It took the three of us some time to figure out just how to do it all.

None of is are trained in auto mechanics.

And all three of us were getting frustrated throughout this learning experience.

But once we had the old off, what could we do but put on the new.

So we kept plugging away.

Praying.

And I think, very silently, cursing the decisions to try and do all the work ourselves.

Then asking forgiveness as the Lord would suddenly allow the part to go on properly.

And then came along Jesse, a friend of Michal and Matthew's, who is a true trained mechanic.

He gave us some school time in an apartment parking lot where the bearings went out.

How to install the new parts.

A very good teacher.

So that was on one day.

The next day was the back ones.

No problem getting them off.

But they fell off and apart without really seeing how they went together.

Putting them back on was like a puzzle from 'hell.'

But....

We got them all on.

Without going to any auto shop.

So.....

Even without all the proper tools...

Even when we were getting tired and short with one another...

Even as we were sore and tired from crawling in and out under the truck more times than we could count.....

We got it done.

We rejoiced.

We celebrated with sparkling apple cider and pizza.

The puzzle of the rear brakes reminds me of how often we think break apart and need to be put back together.

Not always easy picking up the pieces.

But so enjoyable to see how we come together again.

Changed.

Transformed.

We all still look the same on the outside....

Yet....

Inwardly we are constantly being transformed in our minds.

Our character.

Thoughts.

Attitudes.

Perspectives.

And all of that falling apart, being put back together.

That is for our sake.

So others can see the testimony of the Lord's grace, mercy, patience, endurance...

In our lives.

So others can see, hear, learn and experience the goodness of the Lord.

We are broken and put back together for others sakes.

Cool!

Continuing to joy in the journey,

D.