Car Troubles

Cars.

I have a love/hate relationship with them.

I hate them because when something goes wrong it is a big inconvenience. I am dependent on our cars to the point that I almost don’t know what do to when one isn’t working. Also repairs are an area I lack knowledge in and they can be super expensive.I love them because they get me from point A to point B faster than my feet. And when the air conditioning is working cars are a lot cooler than walking. Also there are some pretty awesome looking cars on the road.

This week has been a week for car trouble. Actually this whole month has been testing our patience.

First off, one car had a malfunction with the anti-theft feature and refuses to start. It has been sitting at my brother-in-law/mechanic’s house for over a week as he and Jonathan try to figure out a solution.

One car down. A van and a motorcycle left.

Thankfully, Jonathan rides the motorcycle to work so we can use the van for our errands and activities.

Until yesterday.

I was about to take Corbin to early morning football practice, but the van wouldn’t start. Tuesday is also the day that Braedi has to take the van to piano lessons. What were we going to do?

Corbin hopped on the back of the motorcycle and Jonathan gave him a ride. One problem solved. I made a simple request on Facebook and angels came out of the wood works. Two people offered to lend Braedi their car for the afternoon. Then my brother-in-law rearranged his schedule and came over to help fix the van. Thankfully it was an easy fix and we were able to have our van back in working order before the morning was over. I love when things like that help rebuild my faith in humanity.

Today, on the way home from my sister’s, the van died on us. Corbin and I pushed it off the road into a gas station and called Jonathan. To make matters worse, it was 116 degrees outside! One of the hottest days of the summer. Jonathan had no way to rescue us–wanna see 7 people on a motorcycle? I called my sister and asked her to come get us and take us the rest of the way home then Jonathan would get the van towed. My sister was another angel. Without batting an eye, she hopped in her van and drove to the gas station so save us.But the car trouble wasn’t over yet.

The van is home now,and that feels right, even though it isn’t working. At least here we can try to fix it. Tonight all the kids had different activities to be at and other angels were able to get them where they needed to be.

Yes, sometimes cars are a pain in the butt. But sometimes trials like this are needed to remind me I can lean on others and allow them to serve me and my family. To remind me that there is more good in the world than bad. To remind me to be grateful for when things are going right.

And to remind me of my dream to someday have a brand new car.